In a strategic move to achieve sustainable electricity supply, the Ondo State Government (ODSG) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Power Company under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) on commercial arrangements in electricity transmission.
The partnership is aimed at improving grid reliability and ensuring a more stable power supply across communities in the state.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the FGN Power Company, Abuja, in his office.
Welcoming the team, Engr. Alabi emphasized that the Lucky-Aiyedatiwa administration recognizes electricity as a critical driver of economic growth, noting that sustainable development is unattainable without reliable power. He stated that the state has already commenced efforts to procure electricity directly from Generation Companies (GenCos) as part of its broader power sector reforms.
He further noted that the amended Electricity Act signed into law in 2023 has created new opportunities for sub-national governments to actively participate in the electricity value chain, adding that Ondo State is fully positioned to leverage these opportunities to enhance power supply.
Highlighting existing challenges, the Commissioner explained that inadequate and obsolete transmission infrastructure has significantly constrained electricity supply in the state. “To drive the economy of Ondo State optimally, we require about 700MW of electricity; however, we currently have less than 10MW available,” he said.
Engr. Alabi revealed that the state is expanding its involvement beyond generation and distribution to include transmission, leveraging the decentralization enabled by recent reforms. He referenced the Omotoso Power Plant, which generates about 1,000MW without direct benefit to the state, as a key example of untapped potential.
He also disclosed that plans for a state-owned grid are underway, citing the unreliability of the national grid and the limited capacity of the Osogbo–Akure transmission line, which can barely accommodate 50MW—far below the state’s requirements.
According to him, Ondo State has made significant strides in establishing its electricity market framework. These include the creation of the Ondo State Power Company (OSPC) for electricity distribution and the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) to ensure compliance, protect consumers, and boost investor confidence.
He added that Ondo State pioneered sub-national metering initiatives and has established a Special Offences Court to prosecute electricity-related infractions, thereby safeguarding investments in the sector.
On the proposed transmission project by the FGN Power Company, Engr. Alabi stressed the importance of state ownership of the infrastructure upon completion to enable optimal control and ensure alignment with the state’s independent grid ambitions.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the partnership and urged that the transmission project be extended beyond Ondo town to Owo, Akoko, Ose, and other underserved areas lacking access to the national grid.
Speaking on behalf of the FGN Power Company, the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Babatunde Daramola-Oniru, stated that the Presidential mandate is to increase electricity supply by 4,000MW nationwide within the next three years, with Ondo State identified as a key beneficiary. He commended the state government’s proactive approach, describing the engagement as the beginning of a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.
Also speaking, the Co-Coordinator, Transmission, Engr. Leonard Ogwu, outlined the project scope, noting that the proposed transmission line will originate from Ondo town and extend to adjoining communities. Upon completion, it is expected to deliver approximately 240MW of electricity capacity, significantly boosting socio-economic activities across the state.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Olabode Yusuf; General Manager, OSEB, Engr. Akindolani Ogunmakinwa; State Coordinator, OSERB, Engr. Stephen Bolawole, FNSE; Acting Managing Director, OSPC, Engr. Olumayowa Ajumobi; Administrative Secretary, OSREA, Mr. Samson Adejube; alongside other officials from the FGN Power Company and the Ministry.
Debbie Funmilayo
Information Officer
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
