The management team at Ossiomo Power Plant has confirmed that it has disbursed over ₦2 billion to its Chinese collaborator, Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology (CCETC), since the facility began operations.
In a phone interview conducted two weeks ago, a CCETC representative, who identified himself as Mr. ‘W’, stated that the directive to halt operations was due to significant financial losses and a lack of return on their investment. He emphasized that “the entire $20 million investment, including the distribution infrastructure, was funded by us.”
Contrarily, Festus Evbuomwan, speaking on behalf of Ossiomo Power Plant during a customer engagement session addressing the ongoing dispute, refuted the claim of the $20 million investment by the Chinese partner. He clarified, “We have no knowledge of such an investment. Our arrangement is straightforward: when power is generated, we sell it and then compensate them accordingly.”
Evbuomwan further revealed that following the plant’s shutdown, the Chinese partner demanded a payment of ₦185 million to be made to two Chinese nationals, a request that the Nigerian stakeholders declined.
He explained that the Chinese side, recognizing the profitability of the venture, attempted to escalate the matter through influential channels, possibly aiming to leverage their equipment to produce power independently and exclude the Nigerian partners. However, he firmly stated, “This scenario is not feasible.”
Regarding the alleged $20 million loan from China, Evbuomwan expressed skepticism, saying, “We are unaware of any such loan or where those funds would have been allocated.”
Addressing claims of non-payment, he assured, “The partners maintain a joint account where all investments are deposited. To date, the Chinese partners have received over ₦2 billion for the electricity generated by their machinery. Our process is clear: power is generated, sold, and payments are made accordingly.”
Apologizing to customers for the inconvenience caused by the power disruption stemming from the partnership conflict, Engr. Evbuomwan confirmed that power generation has resumed, albeit not at full capacity, and pledged a swift return to full operational status.
He added, “We have procured turbines, with one already operational and the second undergoing installation. Once all five turbines are functional, we will achieve full capacity. However, those connected through government infrastructure may not experience immediate restoration, as the government procured the poles and contracted the wiring independently, limiting our influence over their network. We are also working to establish a 33kVA line along Airport Road and Lagos Road promptly.”
Evbuomwan clarified that the Edo State government holds no ownership stake in the company and appealed to the government to allow Ossiomo Power Plant to supply electricity to customers connected to their lines.
