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 t...