In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure, the Federal Government has approved two significant energy projects in Oyo State aimed at improving electricity access and stabilizing the national grid. The announcement was made following the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, highlighting renewed commitment to modernizing power facilities and addressing persistent outages in the region.
According to a statement from Bolaji Tunji, media aide to the Minister of Power, the approved initiatives include the revival and concessioning of the decades-old Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant and the construction of a new high-capacity substation at the Lalupon/Ejioku axis of Lagelu Local Government Area. Both projects are designed to enhance power supply reliability for key areas within Ibadan and its environs.
The Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant, originally launched in 1979 during the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo and operational by 1980 under President Shehu Shagari, has been a landmark project that has long awaited modernization. The plant’s current capacity of 6MW is set to expand more than threefold to 20MW under a new 30-year public-private partnership agreement.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu explained that the project had previously stalled due to complications with a preferred bidder but has now been awarded to Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, a reserve contractor. The upgrade will focus primarily on enhancing energy access for communities in Oyo State’s Oke Ogun region.
“The revitalized Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant will be pivotal in increasing electricity generation capacity, improving grid stability, and supporting local industries,” Adelabu said. “This initiative aligns with our broader objective of ensuring sustainable energy development and economic growth in the region.”
Complementing the hydropower plant upgrade is the construction of a new 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV substation at Lalupon/Ejioku, which will serve as a critical infrastructure boost for the power grid. The substation is expected to significantly reduce power outages and improve electricity distribution to strategic locations such as Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo, and nearby districts.
This substation is part of the Siemens-backed Presidential Power Initiative, funded directly by the Federal Ministry of Power, demonstrating a clear federal commitment to resolving ongoing grid instability challenges in Oyo’s capital.
Further reinforcing the power infrastructure, the government has also approved upgrades to the 60-year-old 330KV Ayede substation and the construction of a new Asejire 330KV substation. These enhancements are critical for stabilizing the grid that serves over five million residents in the state, improving overall power reliability.
The projects are expected to be completed within 24 months, marking a significant step forward in Nigeria’s energy sector transformation.
The approval of these projects has far-reaching implications beyond just power supply. Reliable electricity will catalyze socio-economic development by enabling small businesses, industries, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities to operate more efficiently. It will also encourage investment, create jobs, and position Oyo State as a model for Nigeria’s ongoing energy transition.
Minister Adelabu highlighted that these projects would close longstanding infrastructure gaps, enhance service delivery, and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“The improved power infrastructure will uplift livelihoods, promote industrialization, and contribute to national productivity,” he said. “It marks a crucial milestone in our collective efforts to overcome Nigeria’s power challenges.”
As the Federal Government pushes forward with these strategic investments, stakeholders and residents of Oyo State can expect significant improvements in power access and quality. This development underscores the government’s focus on leveraging public-private partnerships and technological innovation to achieve energy security and economic resilience.
The revitalization of Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant and the new substation will not only help meet current electricity demands but also future-proof the state’s power infrastructure against growing population and industrial needs.