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By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) has issued a provisional electricity licence to BEDC Electricity Edo Ltd, marking a significant step in the state’s transition from electricity-sector policy and legislation to the full implementation of a state-regulated electricity market.
Speaking at the licensing ceremony in Benin City, Edo State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, described the development as an important milestone in the state’s efforts to establish an efficient, sustainable and well-regulated electricity market.
Usenbo said the licensing framework was designed to promote responsible participation by qualified operators, attract sustained private-sector investment and improve access to reliable and affordable electricity for households, businesses and industries across the state.
He congratulated BEDC on securing the provisional licence and urged the company to deepen its investment in Edo State, comply fully with the conditions attached to the licence and prioritise improved service delivery to consumers across the state.
The Commissioner also commended the Chairman and members of ESERC for laying the foundation for effective regulation of the emerging electricity market.
He assured investors and other stakeholders that the Edo State Government would continue to create an enabling environment for private-sector participation while protecting the interests of electricity consumers.
Also speaking, ESERC Chairman, Shittu Shaibu, said the commission’s mandate extends beyond the issuance of licences, stressing that electricity operators would be held accountable for compliance with regulatory requirements and service-delivery standards.
Shaibu said the new regulatory regime would focus on strengthening accountability, improving service quality and ensuring faster resolution of consumer complaints. He added that ESERC would adopt a firm, fair and law-guided approach to regulating the market.
According to him, the success of the new electricity regime would ultimately be reflected in tangible improvements in reliability, responsiveness and the overall quality of electricity services delivered to consumers across Edo State.
Receiving the provisional licence, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BEDC Electricity Plc, welcomed the development and expressed the company’s readiness to work with ESERC towards the effective development of the state’s electricity market.
Lawani said BEDC was prepared to fulfil the remaining requirements for the issuance of its full licence when applicable, noting that the company had already obtained the necessary licences in Ekiti and Ondo states after meeting the relevant regulatory requirements.
He commended the Edo State Government for appointing what he described as a competent regulatory team, expressing confidence that an experienced regulator would promote better understanding and constructive engagement between the commission and electricity operators.
Lawani, however, called for collaboration rather than confrontation between BEDC and ESERC, urging the commission to maintain its role as a fair and impartial regulator while allowing healthy competition among market operators.
He stressed that regulation should provide a level playing field for all participants and avoid creating circumstances in which operators are placed in competition with the regulator or government institutions.
According to him, BEDC remains committed to working with the Edo State Government, ESERC and other stakeholders towards the common objective of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to residents, businesses and industries across the state.
Meanwhile, Henry Dafe Onovwaka, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BEDC Subco, a state-level subsidiary established by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, said his primary responsibility was to ensure a smooth and efficient transition in line with the Edo State Governor’s vision for the power sector.
He said the transition would require sustained coordination among the government, regulator, operators and other stakeholders to ensure that the objectives of the new electricity market are effectively achieved.
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