The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has criticised what he described as the politicisation of technical issues in Nigeria’s power sector, rejecting allegations of incompetence levelled against him by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the minister maintained that the transmission challenges affecting Ibarapaland long predate his tenure. He attributed the persistent electricity problems in the zone to funding shortfalls and unresolved compensation claims linked to major infrastructure projects of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Adelabu described the politicisation of technical matters as “regrettable,” urging lawmakers to prioritise constructive engagement and collaboration between federal and state authorities to address electricity supply challenges in Oyo State.
The minister further noted that recent constitutional amendments have moved electricity to the Concurrent Legislative List, empowering states to generate, transmit and distribute power within their jurisdictions. He observed that while several states have taken advantage of the reform to establish independent power initiatives, Oyo State is yet to fully utilise the new provisions to complement federal interventions.
Adelabu also questioned why the Assembly had not scrutinised the reportedly unsuccessful Independent Power Project executed in partnership with Elektron Energy, despite significant public investment. He alleged that the contractor suspended operations due to persistent non-payment.
He expressed concern over the timing of the Assembly’s motion, noting that it came nearly seven years into the current legislative tenure and less than a year before the next general elections. According to him, the development suggests political motives rather than genuine concern for service delivery.
Assuring residents of Ibarapaland of the Federal Government’s commitment, Adelabu stated that concrete steps are underway to restore stable electricity supply to the area. He explained that delays in completing the transmission project were largely due to the non-release of compensation funds to affected landowners — an issue that arose before he assumed office.
According to the ministry, contractors are currently assessing affected properties to facilitate compensation payments and enable full implementation of the project. All necessary equipment for the transmission upgrade, the statement added, has already been procured.
The ministry also disclosed that previously abandoned and vandalised TCN facilities in the zone are undergoing rehabilitation. Electricity supply has reportedly been restored to Ibarapa Central after prolonged outages, while street lighting projects have been completed in several communities to improve security and stimulate economic activity.
The statement clarified that last-mile electricity distribution in Oyo State, including Ibarapa, falls under the responsibility of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), which manages feeders, transformers, metering and billing.
It added that the ministry continues to engage IBEDC to enhance service delivery and address concerns regarding estimated billing in line with regulatory standards. The minister recently visited the company as part of efforts to strengthen oversight and improve supply reliability.
Highlighting federal interventions in Oyo State, Adelabu listed several ongoing and completed projects, including the construction and commissioning of 132/33kV mobile substations at Ajibode (University of Ibadan axis) and Eleyele-Sango by FGN Power Company.
Other initiatives include the upgrade of the Ayede Ring Road 330/133kV substation under the Presidential Power Initiative in partnership with Siemens; the approval and ongoing construction of new substations at New Asejire and Lalupon/Ejioku; and the approval of a 15MW solar interconnected grid project for the University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital by the Rural Electrification Agency.
The ministry urged the Oyo State Government and the House of Assembly to collaborate with federal authorities — as seen in other states — to achieve sustainable improvement in electricity supply and stimulate economic development.
It will be recalled that the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, had earlier moved a motion lamenting erratic power supply in Ibarapaland over the past 15 years and calling on the Federal Government to urgently restore electricity to the zone.
