Ibarapa Power Project: Federal Government Urges Oyo Assembly to Avoid Politicising Technical Challenges

"The transmission challenges affecting Ibarapa predate the current administration. These challenges were largely caused by funding shortfalls and unresolved compensation issues linked to critical infrastructure of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)." Bolaji Tunji Special Adviser Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power.

The Federal Government has expressed concern over the politicization of technical challenges in the power sector and has rejected allegations of incompetence against the Honourable Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

In a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, the Ministry clarified that the transmission challenges affecting Ibarapa predate the current administration. These challenges were largely caused by funding shortfalls and unresolved compensation issues linked to critical infrastructure of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The statement described the politicisation of largely technical matters as regrettable and urged lawmakers to prioritise constructive engagement and collaboration between federal and state authorities to improve electricity supply in Oyo State.

According to Tunji, "the State Assembly should focus on its constitutional responsibilities, particularly in light of recent amendments that place electricity on the Concurrent Legislative List, empowering states to generate, transmit, and distribute power within their jurisdictions. While several states have taken advantage of these provisions to establish independent power initiatives, Oyo State has yet to fully utilise these opportunities to complement federal efforts.

The statement further questioned why the Assembly failed to hold the State Government accountable for the unsuccessful Independent Power Project undertaken with Elektron Energy, despite significant public investment. The contractor reportedly suspended services due to persistent non-payment.

It also expressed concern that the Assembly is raising these issues after nearly seven years in office and less than a year to the next general elections, describing the action as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the Minister, rather than addressing genuine service delivery concerns.

Tunji confirmed that concrete steps are being taken to restore stable electricity supply to Ibarapaland. 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.

The Ministry disclosed that 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.

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. 

Key completed and ongoing projects 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.

* Processing of approvals for the upgrade of the Oyo and Iseyin substations.In view of these developments, the statement urged the Oyo State Government and House of Assembly to complement federal initiatives, as other states are doing, in order to sustainably improve electricity supply and economic development.