The Oyo State Government on Thursday reaffirmed its dedication to developing a sustainable energy sector aimed at driving economic growth and lifting residents out of poverty through stable and reliable power supply.
It also announced a strategic plan to generate and distribute 300 megawatts of electricity by 2027.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Dahud Shangodoyin, who doubles as Acting Chairman of the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
He revealed that work had commenced on a more efficient and sustainable 12-megawatt Ibadan Independent Power Gas Project, designed to supply electricity to the state secretariat and key public institutions.
Shangodoyin explained that the project would lower operational costs and stimulate economic expansion, noting that the state currently receives only 182 megawatts from the national grid—far below the 520 megawatts considered necessary for meaningful growth.
He said the government had already committed resources to the 12-megawatt project, with plans to add about 120 megawatts before the end of the current administration in 2027.
According to him, the initiative marks a transition from temporary power solutions to a more coordinated, scalable, and integrated electricity system that can support industrialisation, attract investment, generate employment, and strengthen the state’s economy.
He added that the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission is responsible for overseeing operators in the sector and urged residents to direct complaints about the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to the commission.
“There is no meaningful development that we can have in the state without reliable infrastructure. And, at the heart of this infrastructure lies energy. Governor Makinde, from Omituntun 1.0 to 2.0, has been building the foundation for sustainable economic growth through deliberate investments in power and infrastructure.
“Nigeria has witnessed a landmark reform in the energy sector through the Electricity Act 2023. This law empowers each state to manage its own generation, distribution and transmission of electricity, and equally to regulate its own electricity market.
“With this in place, and with the Ministry of Energy, which also ensures that we reduce the deficit of access to electricity, within the next three quarters, the state will be witnessing progress in this sector because we are opening up the electricity market in Oyo State through OYSERC.
“We have had almost 30 investors who are willing to come to Oyo State because OYSERC now has an integrated electricity resource plan, 2026 to 2036. This gives us a plan on how we move from one stage to the other.
“We know that the minimum electricity required is about 520 megawatts. Right now, what we have is just 182 megawatts, which means we are having less than 25 per cent of what is required minimally.
“Now, the state has invested in a 12-megawatt Ibadan Independent Gas Project, which, if added to 182 megawatts, will give us about 194 megawatts.
“Now, that is not all. The plan of the governor, through this commission, is to add about 120 megawatts between Quarter 2 of this year and Quarter 2 of 2027, which means we will be aiming at 300 megawatts, which will be at least close to 60 per cent of what is needed to grow the economy of the state,” he explained.
He further disclosed that the state had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Shell to supply gas for power generation.
Shangodoyin added that the government is considering approving three or four energy providers to meet the state’s electricity needs, including one interested in generating hydroelectric power from Asejire.
He noted that the commission’s website is active, allowing investors to access the state’s electricity development plan and understand available opportunities.
He explained that although the state is collaborating with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the law establishing OYSERC gives it sole authority to regulate electricity within Oyo State.
He therefore advised residents to direct all complaints regarding electricity supply, usage, and tariffs to the commission.
On key initiatives, he said, “The independent power project will help us to power critical infrastructure within Ibadan.”
He listed the facilities to benefit from the project as follows: “These include the Secretariat, the Government House, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, the Oyo State High Court, the Customary Court around Iyanganku area, State Hospital at Adeoyo Yemetu, Lekan Salami Sports Complex and all the streetlights around these areas.”
He added that the initiative would boost commercial activities along the corridor while enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Dignitaries at the event included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy/Acting Member, Strategy and Finance, Abiodun Adedoja; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources/Acting Secretary, Michael Ayanniyi; Acting Member (Technical) of the state Electricity Regulatory Board, Ezekiel Ojekunle; Acting Member (Legal), Omolara Omoremi; Director of Administrative and Supplies, [first name needed] Bamigbola; and Senior Accountant, Omolola Lucas.