Ibarapa Power Project: FG tackles Oyo Assembly over politicisation of technical challenges
The Federal Government has raised concerns over what it described as the politicisation of technical issues in the power sector, dismissing allegations of incompetence levelled against the Minister of Power,
The Federal Government has raised concerns over what it described as the politicisation of technical issues in the power sector, dismissing allegations of incompetence levelled against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the Ministry clarified that transmission challenges affecting Ibarapa predate the current administration. The issues, he said, stem largely from funding constraints and unresolved compensation matters tied to infrastructure managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The statement described the politicisation of technical matters as counterproductive and urged lawmakers to pursue constructive engagement and intergovernmental collaboration to improve electricity supply in Oyo State.
According to Tunji, recent constitutional amendments placing electricity on the Concurrent Legislative List empower states to generate, transmit, and distribute power within their territories. He noted that while several states have leveraged the provision to develop independent power initiatives, Oyo State has yet to fully utilise these opportunities to complement federal interventions.
The Ministry also questioned the Assembly’s silence over the stalled Independent Power Project undertaken with Elektron Energy, despite substantial public investment. It stated that the contractor reportedly suspended services due to persistent non-payment.
The statement further observed that the issues were raised nearly seven years into the Assembly’s tenure and less than a year before the next general elections, suggesting the move was politically motivated rather than driven by service delivery concerns.
Tunji, however, assured that concrete measures were underway to restore a stable electricity supply to Ibarapaland.
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He said the major delay on the transmission project was linked to the non-release of funds for compensation to affected landowners—an issue that arose before the current Minister assumed office.
Tunji said, "Contractors are currently on site to assess affected properties and commence compensation payments, thereby enabling full-scale project implementation. All essential equipment for the project is already in place.
"Previously abandoned and vandalised TCN facilities in the area are being rehabilitated, while electricity supply has been restored to Ibarapa Central after prolonged outages. In addition, street lighting projects have been implemented in several communities to improve security and promote economic activity."
The statement explained that last-mile electricity distribution in Oyo state, including Ibarapa, falls under the responsibility of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), which oversees feeders, transformers, metering, and billing.
He maintained that the Ministry continues to engage IBEDC to enhance service delivery and address issues related to estimated billing in line with regulatory standards, as demonstrated by the Minister’s recent visit to the company.
Residents of Ibarapaland were assured that, with compensation processes underway and equipment already procured, tangible progress on the transmission project will soon result in improved power supply across the zone.
The Federal Government noted that Oyo State has received unprecedented attention in the power sector under the current administration.
He listed key completed and ongoing projects to include: "Construction and commissioning of 132/33kV mobile substations at Ajibode (University of Ibadan axis) and Eleyele-Sango by FGN Power Company. Upgrade of the Ayede Ring Road 330/133kV substation under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) in partnership with Siemens.
“Approval and ongoing construction of new substations at New Asejire and Lalupon/Ejioku. Approval of a 15MW solar interconnected grid for the University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital by the Rural Electrification Agency. Capacity upgrade of the Jericho 133/32kV substation (98% completed).
“Concessioning of the Ikere Gorge Dam to boost generation by 20MW. Completion of 33kV lines from Iseyin to Okeho. Construction of a new 133/32kV substation in Saki (90% completed). Rehabilitation of abandoned substations in Igbo Ora and Lanlate. Completion of high-voltage lines from Eruwa through Igbo-Ora to Idere. Resolution of the power crisis at the University College Hospital.
"Installation of solar mini-grids in rural communities. Completion of the Ogbomosho 133/32kV substation and ongoing line construction from Ganmo. Provision of solar-powered streetlights in towns, markets, and rural areas. Approval of highway lighting for the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Approval of interconnected mini-grids for tertiary institutions in Ibadan, Ayede, Eruwa, and Saki, and processing of approvals for the upgrade of the Oyo and Iseyin substations."
Tunji, in the statement, urged the state government and the House of Assembly to complement federal initiatives, as other states are doing, to improve electricity supply and economic development sustainably.
