Ondo moves to partner FGN Power Company on electricity transmission. By Lai Gidado
Ondo moves to partner FGN Power Company on electricity transmission. By Lai Gidado
The Ondo State Government has signalled its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) to strengthen electricity transmission and improve power supply across the state.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the FGN Power Company in his office, describing the move as a strategic step towards achieving sustainable and reliable electricity for residents and businesses.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Information Officer, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
According to the statement, Alabi said the partnership would focus on commercial arrangements in electricity transmission aimed at boosting grid reliability and ensuring a more stable power supply across communities.
According to him, the Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration recognises electricity as a critical driver of economic growth and sustainable development, stressing that reliable power remains indispensable to the state’s progress.
He revealed that Ondo State has already commenced efforts to procure electricity directly from Generation Companies (GenCos) as part of broader power sector reforms, noting that the amended Electricity Act signed into law in 2023 has opened new opportunities for sub-national governments to participate actively in the electricity value chain.
Highlighting the state’s power deficit, the commissioner said Ondo requires about 700 megawatts of electricity to drive its economy optimally but currently has less than 10 megawatts available.
He explained that inadequate and obsolete transmission infrastructure has continued to constrain electricity supply, adding that the state is expanding its involvement beyond generation and distribution to include transmission in line with recent reforms.
Alabi cited the Omotoso Power Plant, which generates about 1,000MW without direct benefit to the state, as an example of untapped potential.
He also disclosed that plans for a state-owned grid are underway due to the unreliability of the national grid and the limited capacity of the Osogbo–Akure transmission line, which can barely accommodate 50MW.
The commissioner further noted that the state has made significant progress in building its electricity market framework, including the establishment of the Ondo State Power Company for electricity distribution and the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau to ensure compliance, protect consumers and enhance investor confidence.
He added that Ondo pioneered sub-national metering initiatives and has set up a Special Offences Court to prosecute electricity-related infractions and safeguard investments in the sector.
On the proposed transmission project, Alabi stressed the importance of state ownership of the infrastructure upon completion to ensure optimal control and alignment with the state’s independent grid ambitions.
He also urged that the project be extended beyond Ondo town to Owo, Akoko, Ose and other underserved communities lacking access to the national grid.
Speaking on behalf of the FGN Power Company, Chief Commercial Officer Babatunde Daramola-Oniru said 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, said the proposed transmission line will originate from Ondo town and extend to adjoining communities, delivering about 240MW of electricity capacity when completed to boost socio-economic activities.
Officials present at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Olabode Yusuf; General Manager, OSEB, Engr. Akindolani Ogunmakinwa; State Coordinator, OSERB, Engr. Stephen Bolawole; Acting Managing Director, OSPC, Engr. Olumayowa Ajumobi; Administrative Secretary, OSREA, Mr. Samson Adejube; alongside other officials from the FGN Power Company and the Ministry.
