The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has voiced its support for Ossiomo Power, a private power company embroiled in an ownership dispute with its Chinese partner, CCETC. The union’s decision emerged from an emergency congress held on September 11, 2025, in Benin City, where members passed a resolution urging the council’s leadership to maintain its relationship with the power company. The congress highlighted that Ossiomo Power has supplied the union’s secretariat with 24‑hour electricity for the past three years.
In a six‑point communique, the union called on the Edo State Government to create an enabling environment for additional private investors in the state. The communique also praised the government’s ongoing development projects, including the Ramat Park Flyover and the reconstruction of the burnt Oba Market.
The union’s backing of Ossiomo Power follows the state government’s decision to disconnect from the company amid the ownership dispute. The government directed all ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals linked to Ossiomo’s 11 kV lines to reconnect to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, aiming to prevent a total blackout of public services. Ossiomo’s 95 MW gas‑fired facility had been a key solution to the state’s power deficit, providing electricity to government offices, hotels, industries, and street lighting across parts of Benin. However, the company shut down operations on September 1, 2025, leaving its customers in darkness.
The union’s resolution underscores the importance of private power companies in tackling Nigeria’s energy challenges and highlights the Edo State Government’s efforts to attract private investors and develop critical infrastructure. The congress also urged the contractor handling the flyover project to expedite work and deliver the project promptly, emphasizing the need for timely completion of essential infrastructure.
As the situation between Ossiomo Power and the state government evolves, the union’s support serves as a reminder of the crucial role collaboration between private and public entities plays in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
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