In a strategic move aimed at upgrading the electricity landscape in Ondo State, the state government has announced its readiness to venture fully into power generation and distribution.
This development comes as part of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s broader plan to end the longstanding energy crisis and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with prospective investors, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Engr. Tunji Alabi, described the current electricity situation in the state as “grossly inadequate and deteriorating.” He revealed that the state requires about 800 megawatts of electricity to function optimally but receives a paltry allocation of 35MW, sometimes dipping as low as 18MW.
“This is unsustainable for any meaningful economic progress,” Alabi stated. “Governor Aiyedatiwa is determined to change this narrative by assuming a more active role in the electricity sector.”
Alabi lamented the poor state of existing electricity infrastructure, attributing the stagnation to what he described as the inability of BEDC Electricity Plc (BEOL), the current distribution company, to meet demand due to financial and operational constraints. “We can no longer fold our arms. It’s time to take our future into our hands,” he declared, urging residents to support the government’s drive toward energy self-sufficiency.
To this end, the government is positioning the Ondo State Power Company Limited (OSPCL) to spearhead the new power framework, backed by the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020. Alabi emphasized that the state now possesses full regulatory powers to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently. This is not just talk — we are fully empowered and we are not taking it lightly,” he added.
Progress is already underway, with Alabi citing the ongoing O’Datiwa Metering Initiative, launched about seven months ago, as a foundational step toward a stable power supply. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to attracting private sector collaboration and investing in critical infrastructure to create a more reliable and economically viable electricity system.
Investor representative, Mr. Adebayo Adesina, expressed confidence in the project, describing the Ondo government’s plan as both ambitious and necessary. “While the power challenge is nationwide, we believe that with strong mechanisms like this, we can overcome it,” he said, pledging the investor group’s full support.
Adding to the technical context, Engr. Stephen Bolawole, State Coordinator of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB), called the collaboration “timely and essential,” pointing to the state’s comprehensive efforts to align with the national Electricity Act.
The meeting also created a forum for deliberations on key areas such as revenue collection, franchise arrangements, infrastructure upgrades, substation expansion, and overall power market structure.
Other participants included Engr. Akindolani Ogunmakinwa, General Manager of the Ondo State Electricity Board (OSEB); Engr. Olumayowa Ajumobi, Acting Managing Director of OSPCL; and several senior government officials.
With bold regulatory backing and investor interest, Ondo State appears set to rewire its future—one powered by stability, innovation, and local control.
