Byline: Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved two major energy projects in Oyo State to strengthen Nigeria’s national grid and address persistent power challenges, as decided during its meeting on Monday, May 12.
The projects include reviving the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant and constructing a new high-capacity substation in Ibadan. According to a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of Power, the substation, located in the Lalupon/Ejioku axis of Lagelu Local Government Area, will enhance power supply to Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo, and surrounding areas.
The Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant, initiated in 1979 under President Olusegun Obasanjo and operationalised in 1980 under President Shehu Shagari, will see its capacity increase from 6MW to 20MW through a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) concession.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu noted that the project, previously stalled due to the original bidder’s failure, has been re-concessioned to Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited. The revitalised plant will prioritise energy access for Oyo’s Oke-Ogun communities.
Additionally, a 2x60MVA, 132/33KV substation in Lalupon/Ejioku, funded by the Federal Ministry of Power under the Siemens-backed Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), aims to reduce outages and grid instability in Ibadan.
The project includes upgrades to the 60-year-old 330KV Ayede substation and a new 330KV substation in Asejire, benefiting over five million residents. Completion is expected within 24 months.
Adelabu stated, “These interventions will directly uplift livelihoods, attract industries, and position Oyo State as a model for Nigeria’s energy transition.” The projects are expected to drive socio-economic growth by improving power reliability for households, businesses, and institutions.