The federal government of Nigeria has approved two major hydropower projects in Oyo State to address the nation’s persistent electricity challenges and strengthen the national grid.
In a statement on Friday, Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced that the approvals were ratified at a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
This decision involved the revival of the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant and the construction of a high-capacity substation in Ibadan, he added.
“These interventions will directly uplift livelihoods, attract industries, and position Oyo State as a model for Nigeria’s energy transition,” said Adebayo
Revival of the Ikere Gorge hydropower plant
The Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant, originally commissioned in 1980, will undergo a major upgrade to increase its capacity from 6 MW to 20 MW under a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) concession.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu revealed that the project, previously stalled due to the bidder’s failure to accept the project offer and commence work, has been re-concessioned to Messrs Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited.
The plant will prioritize electricity supply to underserved Oke Ogun communities, with an enhanced concession fee to ensure long-term sustainability.
Adelabu emphasized that this upgrade will bridge decades-old infrastructure gaps, fostering industrial growth and improving livelihoods in the region.
New substation to ease grid instability
In addition, the FEC also approved the construction of a 2 x 60 MVA, 132/33 kV substation in Lalupon/Ejioku, Lagelu Local Government Area.
The substation is expected to boost electricity supply to Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo, and surrounding areas in Ibadan.
This is funded directly by the country’s Ministry of Power and aims to ease grid instability and curb frequent power outages in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Adelabu noted that the infrastructure will be a backbone for strategic investments, enhance service delivery, and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable energy.
The approvals show a renewed federal commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.
Adelabu stated that both initiatives are anticipated to foster socio-economic growth by enhancing power reliability for households, small businesses, industries, and educational and healthcare institutions.
Stakeholders anticipate that the initiatives will reduce grid vulnerabilities, offering a scalable model for other states.
