Abiodun unveils ambitious energy blueprint to make Ogun Nigeria’s power hub

Michael Olumide

In what many observers have described as one of the boldest energy reforms by any sub-national government in Nigeria, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has unveiled an ambitious plan to deliver a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply across the state.

The governor disclosed the initiative during an inspection of the 4-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant located in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, declaring that electricity would no longer remain a privilege for a few but a guaranteed right for residents and businesses in Ogun State.

Abiodun, in a statement shared on his official X platform, said the state government had embarked on a strategic electricity transformation agenda aimed at making Ogun energy self-sufficient while creating an enabling environment for industrial growth and economic expansion.

According to him, reliable power supply remains the backbone of industrialisation and socioeconomic development, stressing that no economy can truly thrive without steady electricity.

“Power remains the foundation of industrialisation and socioeconomic development, which is why we launched the Ogun State Light-Up Project to ensure energy self-sufficiency across every part of the state,” the governor stated.

He explained that the administration was investing heavily in strategic power infrastructure, particularly gas-fired Independent Power Plants, to guarantee a reliable electricity supply for industries, businesses, and households.

The Ogun State Light-Up Project, which is expected to transform the state into one of Nigeria’s leading power-efficient economies, is anchored on aggressive infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and strategic investments in electricity generation and distribution.

At the heart of the initiative is the operational 4-megawatt gas-fired power plant in Oke-Mosan and the proposed 34-megawatt Onijanganjangan power project, which government officials say has the capacity for future expansion.

Abiodun noted that the projects were designed not only to improve electricity access but also to position Ogun as the preferred destination for local and foreign investors seeking stable and affordable power supply.

“Our vision is clear: to make Ogun State the destination where investors can enjoy stable 24-hour electricity at the most affordable rate in Nigeria,” he said.

As part of efforts to ensure accountability and efficiency within the sector, the governor also announced a statewide electricity consumption audit aimed at identifying leakages, curbing energy theft, and improving distribution efficiency.

He maintained that the audit would help the government accurately determine consumption patterns, eliminate wastage, and ensure that no community is left underserved.

“With this audit, we will ensure that every watt is accounted for and that no community is underserved,” the governor added.

In a major institutional reform, Abiodun disclosed that the Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission had been fully activated alongside the state’s electricity transmission, distribution, and generation companies.

According to him, the new regulatory framework will strengthen oversight, drive efficient power management, and attract private-sector participation into the state’s energy ecosystem.

“We have also activated the Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission alongside the state’s transmission, distribution, and generation companies to drive efficient power management and attract more investors into Ogun State,” he said.

Industry stakeholders have described the initiative as a potentially game-changing model capable of redefining electricity governance at the sub-national level in Nigeria.

Energy experts believe that if successfully implemented, Ogun State could emerge as a leading industrial and manufacturing hub, leveraging stable electricity to attract investments, boost productivity, create jobs, and improve the living conditions of residents.

Analysts also say the project aligns with the broader national push for decentralised electricity generation following recent constitutional and policy reforms that empower states to play greater roles in electricity generation and distribution.

For many residents and business owners who have long battled erratic power supply and rising energy costs, the governor’s declaration offers renewed hope of economic relief and improved quality of life.

With the Ogun State Light-Up Project now gaining momentum, attention is shifting to implementation, sustainability, and whether the ambitious vision of uninterrupted 24-hour electricity can become a reality in one of Nigeria’s most industrialised states.