By Peter Omopo
The Federal Government has approved two major power infrastructure projects in Oyo State, aimed at strengthening the national grid and improving electricity access across the region.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Bolaji Tunji, media aide to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the approvals were granted during Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The projects include the revitalisation and concession of the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant and the construction of a new high-capacity substation in Ibadan.
The new substation is to be sited in the Lalupon/Ejioku area of Lagelu Local Government and is expected to significantly enhance power supply to Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo, and surrounding parts of the city.
Originally commissioned in 1979 under the Obasanjo military administration and operationalised in 1980 during President Shehu Shagari’s tenure, the Ikere Gorge plant will now be upgraded from 6 megawatts to 20 megawatts. The project will be executed under a 30-year public-private partnership with Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, following the failure of the initial preferred bidder to finalise terms.
Adelabu stated that the upgraded facility will prioritise electricity access for communities in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State. He added that the revised concession agreement includes an upwardly adjusted fee structure to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
