The Edo State Government is set to seal a partnership deal with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) on bulk power supply to boost industrial activities in the state.

Receiving NDPHC management team who paid him a business visit on Saturday in Benin City, Governor, Godwin Obaseki said he was optimistic that about 2,000 Megawatts of power could be generated from the power plants in the state in the next few years.

He explained that what was of immense concern to him was the utilisation of the power that would be generated from the power plants in the state, and added that his administration intended to make the Sapele Road axis an industrial site and an electricity generating corridor.

‘’Now that we have found electricity, what are we going to do with it? Is there no opportunity for us to think of working with you directly?”

‘How we can bring in people who will buy bulk power and distribute it close to our people who will use it for production purpose?" Obaseki inquired.

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Mr. Chinedu Ugbo had said that the Edo State government was a major stakeholder in power generation.

He disclosed that Governor Obaseki is on the new board soon to be inaugurated by the company, adding that the visit was to strengthen areas of collaboration.

He said the company had planned seeking the state approval for the bulk power supply arrangement, and expressed delight at the Governor’s support which has opened the way for more opportunities.

‘’Edo is host to one of the big plants which is located along the Benin By-Pass” Ugbo said, and commended the host community for their cooperation in ensuring a peaceful business environment.

He listed some of the challenges affecting the company in the state as irregular gas supply and electricity uptake which affect electricity distribution to consumers.

•Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State (6th from left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Akerele (7th from left) with executives of the Niger Delta Power Holding Development Company (NDPHC) who paid the Governor a business visit in his office yesterday.

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