Edo gives unlicensed electricity operators 30 days ultimatum, woos investors with mining, agric, power opportunities

By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) has given electricity operators in the state 30 days to obtain or regularise their licences or risk prosecution, fines of up to N10 million and other enforcement measures.

The commission also warned that continuing violations could attract a daily fine of up to N500,000, while unlicensed facilities could be sealed or temporarily taken over, subject to a court order.

The directive is contained in Order No. ESERC/ORDER/2026/001, dated September 11, 2026, and issued by ESERC Chairman, Dr Shittu Shaibu, as part of measures to establish the regulatory framework for the Edo State electricity market.

Under the order, no person or entity may engage in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, supply, trading, power exchange or system and market operations in Edo State without a licence or permit issued, or deemed to have been issued, by ESERC.

The commission warned that possession of a licence issued by another regulatory authority, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), would not, on its own, constitute a defence except where expressly provided for under the Edo State Electricity Law, 2025.

“Every person and entity are hereby prohibited from undertaking any regulated activity within the Edo State Electricity Market without a licence or permit,” the commission declared.

It consequently directed persons and entities operating without the required approval to cease regulated activities and apply for the appropriate licence or permit within 30 days.

Where immediate cessation could disrupt electricity supply to consumers, however, affected operators are required to notify ESERC within seven days. The commission may thereafter put interim arrangements in place to prevent consumers from being disconnected as a consequence of enforcement action.

ESERC also directed existing holders of licences, permits and other regulatory instruments issued by NERC for electricity operations in Edo State to apply for their regularisation, revalidation and re-issuance within 30 days.

They are expected to submit their existing NERC licences, corporate documents, details of assets and installed capacity, customer information, relevant power and supply agreements, audited financial statements and other documents prescribed by the state regulator.

The commission said NERC licensees that comply within the stipulated period may continue operating under their existing instruments, which would be deemed to have been issued by ESERC pending the determination of their applications.

Operators who fail to regularise their licences within the deadline could, however, be deemed to be operating illegally and subjected to enforcement proceedings.

ESERC said violations could attract prosecution and penalties ranging from a fine of not less than ₦1 million to as much as ₦10 million, as well as a daily fine of up to ₦500,000 for continuing offences.

The commission may also issue cease-and-desist orders and, subject to a court order, temporarily confiscate, seal or take possession of the undertaking of an offending operator.

The order exempts specified small-scale captive and renewable electricity generation as well as certain mini-grid operations from licensing requirements, although they must comply with applicable technical and safety standards.

ESERC said existing tariffs, technical codes, consumer protection rules and other applicable regulatory instruments would remain in force until they are amended or replaced.

It added that market rules, licence application regulations, procedures and applicable fees for the Edo State electricity market would be published subsequently.

Meanwhile, the state government has stepped up efforts to attract local and foreign investments, offering opportunities in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, power and the digital economy.

Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Omoh Anabor, said the government was creating a more conducive environment for investors through digitisation of processes, streamlined approvals and measures aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and multiple taxation.

He said the state’s mineral resources and agricultural commodities, including oil palm, cashew, rice, cassava and pineapple, offered significant opportunities for investment and value addition.

Anabor also identified Edo’s cultural heritage and tourism assets as areas capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and expanding the state’s economy.

According to him, the government plans to expand its Made-in-Edo initiative with an online platform that would connect local producers directly with buyers within and outside Nigeria. He said the initiative would provide greater market access for locally manufactured products and help indigenous businesses expand beyond the state.

The commissioner said the government was equally investing in digital-skills programmes to equip young people with competencies required to participate in the growing global technology economy.

He disclosed that prospective investors in agro-processing, fertiliser production, real estate and tourism had already indicated interest in establishing businesses in the state.

Anabor urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Edo, assuring them that the government was committed to improving the ease of doing business, attracting capital and creating jobs.

The post Edo gives unlicensed electricity operators 30 days ultimatum, woos investors with mining, agric, power opportunities appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.