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Edo State has showcased its electricity sector reforms at a high-level African Union (AU) energy meeting, positioning its decentralised power model as a catalyst for investment, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, said the state used the platform to present its energy reforms to investors, development partners and policymakers, while strengthening Edo State’s profile as a prime destination for energy investment.
He noted that the state’s energy agenda aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Mission 300 initiative to expand electricity access, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy.
According to him, the continental engagement provides Edo State with an opportunity to forge strategic partnerships, attract development financing and strengthen collaboration with multilateral institutions committed to expanding reliable and sustainable electricity access across Africa.
The commissioner attributed Edo State’s invitation to the meeting to the significant progress recorded under Governor Okpebholo’s administration, particularly the implementation of the Edo State Electricity Law, the advancement of the proposed 100-megawatt Ologbo Independent Power Project, the expansion of renewable energy initiatives, the promotion of rural electrification and the creation of an investor-friendly regulatory environment that encourages private sector participation.
He noted that discussions at the meeting centred on innovative financing for energy infrastructure, accelerating renewable energy deployment, strengthening intra-African trade through the AfCFTA, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and expanding access to affordable electricity.
He said the outcomes reinforce Edo State’s strategy of leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver sustainable energy infrastructure and unlock economic opportunities.
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“Good governance is about creating opportunities, and that begins with reliable electricity,” Usenbo said.
“In Edo State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Monday Okpebholo, we are implementing bold reforms that attract investment, expand access to power and empower businesses to grow.
“Our message at the African Union is clear: decentralised energy is the key to industrialization, job creation and inclusive prosperity. Edo State is demonstrating that with visionary leadership and strong partnerships, Africa’s energy future is not only possible; it is already unfolding.”
He explained that the state would leverage the engagements and knowledge gained from the AU meeting to accelerate electricity generation, expand renewable energy and mini-grid projects, strengthen the regulatory framework and unlock additional financing to improve energy security and electricity access across Edo State.
The commissioner said the reforms are expected to increase electricity access, provide reliable power for homes, businesses and industries, stimulate private investment in the energy sector, improve the ease of doing business, create jobs, promote economic growth and reduce carbon emissions through greater deployment of renewable energy technologies.
He added that the overarching objective is to position Edo State as Nigeria’s leading sub-national electricity market and a model for decentralised, investment-driven power sector reform across Africa, demonstrating how sound legislation, visionary leadership and strategic partnerships can transform the energy sector into a driver of enterprise, innovation and inclusive economic development.
