The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has expressed its support for Ossiomo Power, a private power company, amid an ownership dispute with its Chinese partner, CCETC. The union’s decision was made at an emergency congress held on September 11, 2025, in Benin City, where members passed a resolution mandating the council’s leadership to remain with the power company.
The congress noted that Ossiomo Power has provided the union’s secretariat with 24-hour electricity for the past three years. In a six-point communique, the union urged the Edo State Government to create an enabling environment for more private investors to invest in the state. The communique also commended the state government for its ongoing developmental projects, including the Ramat Park Flyover and the rebuilding of the burnt Oba Market.
The union’s support for Ossiomo Power comes after the state government disconnected from the company due to the ownership dispute. The government had directed all ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals connected to Ossiomo’s 11KV lines to reconnect to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company. This move aimed to avert a total blackout of public services, as Ossiomo’s 95MW gas-fired facility had been a key solution to the state’s power deficit.
Ossiomo Power had provided electricity to government offices, hotels, industries, and street lighting across parts of Benin. However, the company shut down operations on September 1, 2025, plunging its customers into darkness. The union’s resolution is significant, as it highlights the importance of private power companies in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges. The Edo State Government’s efforts to attract private investors and develop critical infrastructure are also crucial in this context.
The congress’s call for the contractor handling the flyover project to expedite action and deliver the project promptly underscores the need for timely completion of critical infrastructure projects. As the situation with Ossiomo Power and the state government continues to unfold, the union’s support for the private power company serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between private and public entities in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
