In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, the Federal Government has approved two major power projects in Oyo State during this week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. These include the revival and concessioning of the long-abandoned Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant and the construction of a high-capacity substation in Ibadan.
According, to statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji, the Ikere Gorge Plant, which dates back to 1979 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and became operational in 1980 during President Shehu Shagari’s regime, is set for a major upgrade. Under a new 30-year public-private partnership (PPP), the plant’s generation capacity will increase from 6 megawatts to 20 megawatts.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, announced that the concession, originally awarded to a now-defunct preferred bidder, has been reassigned to reserve contractor Messrs Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd. The revitalised facility is expected to improve electricity access for underserved Oke Ogun communities, with the new concession agreement featuring a revised fee structure to ensure viability and performance.
In a complementary initiative, the FEC also approved the construction of a 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV substation in the Lalupon/Ejioku area of Lagelu Local Government Area. This project is aimed at boosting power supply across key parts of Ibadan, including Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo, and surrounding areas.
The substation forms part of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), supported by Siemens, and is to be directly funded by the Federal Ministry of Power. It is intended to reduce the strain on the grid and curb recurring outages in the region.
Adelabu stated that the project also encompasses the upgrade of the aging 330KV Ayede substation, which has been in operation for over 60 years, as well as the construction of a new 330KV substation in Asejire. Together, these efforts are expected to stabilise electricity supply for over five million residents.
The infrastructure developments are projected for completion within 24 months and are expected to stimulate economic activities by improving power reliability for homes, businesses, educational institutions, and health centres.
“These interventions will directly uplift livelihoods, attract industries, and position Oyo State as a model for Nigeria’s energy transition,” said Adelabu, reaffirming the projects’ alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable energy.
The Ministry expressed confidence that these initiatives would serve as a turning point in tackling Nigeria’s long-standing grid deficiencies and contribute significantly to national productivity.
