Ossiomo Power, Chinese Partner Disagree Over ₦2bn Payments Amid Plant Shutdown
The management of Ossiomo Power Plant in Benin, Edo State, has rejected allegations from its Chinese partner, Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Company (CCETC), over payments and investments, insisting that more than ₦2 billion has been disbursed to the foreign firm since operations began.
Operations at the 95MW power facility, which supplies electricity to government buildings, private organisations, and streetlights in Benin City, were halted on September 1 following disagreements between the Nigerian stakeholders and CCETC.
While a CCETC representative had earlier claimed in an anonymous interview that the shutdown was linked to financial losses and an unacknowledged $20 million investment in equipment and distribution lines, Ossiomo dismissed the claims as inaccurate.
Speaking during an interactive session with customers on Saturday, Ossiomo’s representative, Festus Evbuomwan, maintained that payments had been made in line with agreed terms.
“The Chinese partners have received over ₦2 billion for the power they generate with their machines. We operate a joint account where their investments are deposited, and payments are made accordingly,” he said.
Evbuomwan alleged that the Chinese firm had demanded an additional ₦185 million outside of existing agreements, a request the Nigerian side declined.
He also accused CCETC of attempting to sideline local partners by leveraging external influences, a move he said would not succeed.
The dispute has raised concerns among customers and residents relying on the facility, as Ossiomo’s 55MW plant (commissioned in 2020) and a 40MW unit (launched in 2021) provide alternative electricity in a state grappling with unreliable public supply.
Evbuomwan apologised for the service disruption but assured that generation had resumed at reduced capacity.
He disclosed that Ossiomo had acquired new turbines and was working toward restoring full operations.
The management also clarified that the Edo State government holds no stake in the project, appealing for official support to encourage indigenous investors rather than frustrate them.
