By Damilare Adeleye
The Ondo State Government has announced plans to partner with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Power Company under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) to improve electricity transmission and ensure a more stable power supply across the state.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the FGN Power Company in Akure, according to a statement issued by the ministry’s Information Officer, Debbie Funmilayo.
Alabi said the proposed collaboration would focus on commercial arrangements in electricity transmission, aimed at strengthening grid reliability and expanding access to power across communities.
He noted that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa considers electricity a critical driver of economic growth, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without reliable power supply.
According to him, the state has already begun moves to procure electricity directly from Generation Companies (GenCos) as part of broader reforms in the power sector.
Alabi added that the amended Electricity Act of 2023 has opened up opportunities for sub-national governments to participate actively in the electricity value chain, positioning Ondo State to take advantage of the new framework.
Highlighting existing constraints, the commissioner said inadequate and outdated transmission infrastructure has significantly limited electricity supply in the state.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.
He also pointed to the Omotoso Power Plant, which generates about 1,000MW without directly benefiting the state, as an example of untapped potential.
Alabi disclosed that the state is exploring the development of its own power grid, citing the unreliability of the national grid and the limited capacity of the Osogbo–Akure transmission line, which can barely accommodate 50MW.
He said the government has made progress in establishing its electricity market structure, including the creation of the Ondo State Power Company (OSPC) for distribution and the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) to ensure compliance and protect consumers.
The commissioner further noted that the state has introduced sub-national metering initiatives and set up a Special Offences Court to prosecute electricity-related infractions.
On the proposed transmission project, Alabi emphasised the need for state ownership of the infrastructure upon completion to ensure alignment with Ondo’s independent grid plans.
He also urged that the project be extended beyond Ondo town to Owo, Akoko, Ose, and other underserved areas.
Speaking on behalf of the FGN Power Company, the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Babatunde Daramola-Oniru, said the Presidential mandate is to increase electricity supply by 4,000MW nationwide within three years, with Ondo identified as a key beneficiary.
He described the engagement as the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership.
Also speaking, the Co-Coordinator, Transmission, Engr. Leonard Ogwu, said the proposed transmission line would run from Ondo town to adjoining communities and deliver about 240MW of electricity upon completion, boosting economic activities in the state.