Oyo State is on track to generate 500 megawatts of electricity, a milestone that could eliminate its dependence on the national grid. Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this while inaugurating the state’s first Independent Power Project, an 11MW hybrid power plant in Ibadan, developed in partnership with Elektron Energy Limited.
Makinde highlighted that Oyo currently receives about 80MW from the national grid, an amount insufficient for its energy needs. With the state now able to generate, transmit, and distribute its own electricity, he assured investors that future projects would proceed swiftly under the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Law.
“The groundbreaking for this project was done in December 2021, two years before the federal government gave states the right to generate and distribute power independently. We have since taken advantage of this shift to shape Oyo’s energy future,” he said.
He added that while the newly commissioned power plant currently supplies 5MW—4MW from gas and 1MW from solar—the state remains committed to scaling up to 500MW.
UCH to benefit from state power supply
As part of its energy expansion, the Oyo State Government has announced plans to connect University College Hospital Ibadan to the Independent Power Plant to ease the hospital’s electricity crisis.
UCH, a leading medical institution, has faced severe power shortages in recent months, affecting medical procedures, laboratory services, and patient care. Hospital management had earlier requested 300 kilowatts of solar power from the state government to alleviate the situation.
Acknowledging the urgent need for stable electricity in the hospital, the government stated that while UCH is a federal institution, it is willing to provide a medium-term solution by integrating it with the state’s power supply.
“The Independent Power Plant currently serves key state facilities, and we are extending its reach to support UCH,” the government stated on its official platforms.
Though no timeline was provided for the connection, the announcement has been met with relief from patients and hospital staff, who have called for swift implementation to prevent further disruptions to healthcare services.
Energy independence on the horizon
Governor Makinde emphasized that Oyo’s power strategy is designed to reduce reliance on external authorities while creating a stable energy framework for economic growth.
The newly signed Oyo State Electricity Regulation Law ensures that future power projects no longer require federal approval, significantly reducing delays. Investors have been assured of a favorable business environment, with the state committing to honoring agreements under the Build, Operate, and Transfer model.
Managing Director of Elektron Energy Limited Tola Talabi commended the partnership, noting that the power plant has an installed capacity of 11MW, with the first 5MW now operational. The company will operate the facility for 15 years before handing it over to the government.
With plans underway to scale up power generation and expand supply to critical institutions like UCH, Oyo State is positioning itself as a leader in energy autonomy, setting a precedent for other states in Nigeria.
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