The federal government has approved two major power projects in Oyo State to strengthen the national grid and address lingering electricity challenges.
At Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the government ratified plans to revive and concession the decades-old Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant and construct a new 132/33KV substation in Ibadan.
The hydropower plant, originally launched in 1979 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and operationalised in 1980 during President Shehu Shagari’s administration, will be upgraded from 6 megawatts to 20 megawatts under a 30-year public-private partnership.
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According to power minister Adebayo Adelabu, the project, initially stalled after the preferred bidder failed to meet final terms, has now been re-concessioned to the reserve contractor Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, with an upwardly revised concession fee to ensure long-term viability.
Adelabu said the revitalised facility will prioritise electricity access for Oke Ogun communities in Oyo State.
Meanwhile, the government also approved the construction of a 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV substation in the Lalupon/Ejioku axis of Lagelu local government area.
The project, which falls under the Siemens-supported Presidential Power Initiative, will be fully funded by the Federal Ministry of Power.
The substation is expected to boost power supply to Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo, and adjoining areas in Ibadan, while also helping to resolve frequent outages and grid instability in the state capital.
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Adelabu said the infrastructure would serve as a backbone for strategic investments, enhance service delivery, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable energy.
The project also includes upgrades to the 60-year-old Ayede 330KV substation and the construction of a new Asejire 330KV substation.
The initiatives, expected to be completed within 24 months, are projected to improve electricity reliability for over 5 million residents and catalyse socio-economic growth by supporting households, businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare services.
“These interventions will directly uplift livelihoods, attract industries, and position Oyo State as a model for Nigeria’s energy transition,” Adelabu said.
