ODSG SET TO ENTER POWER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION, PARTNERS WITH INVESTORS

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ODSG SET TO ENTER POWER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION, PARTNERS WITH INVESTORS

The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing affordable and reliable
electricity to its citizens.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Power to the Governor of Ondo State during a meeting with an investor set to partner with the government in improving not just electricity supply, but also related infrastructure.

He stated that the current electricity supply to the state is grossly inadequate and deteriorating further, with the existing distribution company in the state, BEDC Electricity Plc (BEOL), lacking the capacity to meet growing demands.

“The current electricity demand in Ondo State is about 800MW, yet we are only allocated with around 35MW — Sometimes dropping as low as 18MW.
This is unsustainable for any meaningful economic progress,” he said.

“Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is determined to change this narrative by assuming a more active role in the electricity sector.”

Engr. Alabi also expressed concern over the dilapidated state of electricity infrastructure, which remains unaddressed due to claimed lack of funds by the current managers. “We can no longer fold our arms. It’s time to take our future into our hands,” he emphasized, calling for public cooperation to help the administration deliver democratic dividends through improved electricity access.

He revealed that the government is positioning the Ondo State Power Company Limited (OSPCL) to take charge of the electricity market in the state — a responsibility aligned with the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020. “We are not treating this lightly.

With full regulatory rights, we are empowered to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity,” Alabi stated.

Highlighting the progress already made, he mentioned the successful rollout of the O’Datiwa Metering Initiative which began about seven months ago. This program is laying the groundwork for improved power delivery across the state.

Engr. Alabi reiterated that the administration’s overarching goal is to transform the electricity sector by investing in quality infrastructure and stable supply, thereby boosting the state’s economy. He welcomed suggestions and partnerships that would accelerate the implementation of existing policies under the State Electricity Law.

Speaking on behalf of the investor, Mr. Adebayo Adesina acknowledged the widespread challenge of erratic power supply in Nigeria but noted that with strong mechanisms, it can be overcome.

He commended the government’s initiatives and expressed readiness to support the state’s efforts to bring sustainable development to the power sector.

Earlier, Engr. Stephen Bolawole, State Coordinator of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB), provided insights into the technical aspects of the Electricity Act and the state’s efforts so far. He described the collaboration as timely and essential to fulfilling the state’s commitments.

According to the Media Officer to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Debbie Funmilayo, the meeting also offered a platform for discussions between OSPCL and the investor on power supply enhancement, revenue collection, franchise areas, expansion of substations, infrastructure development, and other key areas for collaboration.

Other attendees included Engr. Akindolani Ogunmakinwa, General Manager of the Ondo State Electricity Board (OSEB); Engr. Olumayowa Ajumobi, Acting Managing Director of OSPCL; and other senior officials of the OSPCL.