Ogun govt, IBEDC pledge collaboration towards improved electricity supply

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed the readiness of the state to collaborate with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company PLC, IBEDC, towards improving electricity supply across the state.

Governor Abiodun made this remark during a courtesy visit by the Board and Management of IBEDC to the Ogun State to his office on Thursday according to a statement signed by the company management and made available to DAILY POST on Sunday.

On the issue of vandalisation of power infrastructure, Governor Abiodun also assured that the state government is working on introducing stricter laws and enforcement mechanisms to deter vandalism and protect critical electricity assets.

The Governor also disclosed that “the State intends to implement tighter regulatory controls within its electricity market to ensure that only credible and technically competent operators are licensed to operate in the state.”

According to him, the state government will develop a clear roadmap for licensing and regulation of electricity market participants, while ensuring proper oversight of the process.

Earlier, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, IBEDC, reaffirmed its commitment to improving electricity supply and strengthening power infrastructure across Ogun State through strategic collaboration with the State Government.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr ,Taiwo Afolabi, an IBEDC Board member stated that IBEDC’s transition to new core investors represents a significant turning point for the company as fresh investments aimed at strengthening electricity infrastructure and improving service delivery across the company’s franchise areas, especially Ogun State, will become a reality.

The Managing Director/CEO of IBEDC, Mr Deolu Ijose, in his presentation during the meeting, highlighted the strategic importance of Ogun State within the IBEDC franchise due to its rapid industrialisation, growing population, and increasing energy demand. 

Ijose emphasised the need for stronger regulatory coordination and strategic collaboration between IBEDC and the Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission, OGERC, to ensure a sustainable and investment-friendly electricity market framework.

Among the key requests presented by IBEDC were “support for the licensing of Olumo Electricity Distribution Company Plc (OEDCL) as IBEDC’s Ogun State subsidiary, development of a coordinated engagement framework for market participants, alignment on franchise boundaries and reduction of regulatory overlap within the electricity market.”

He sought the support of the State Government in securing “Right-of-Way approvals, protecting critical electricity infrastructure against vandalism and sabotage, and facilitating industrial power corridors to support economic growth and industrial development.”

Ijose identified strategic projects requiring collaboration and support to include “the Redeemed 33kV Feeder, Magada 33kV Feeder, and the Double Circuit 33kV Feeder from Oke-Aro to Magboro. The projects would significantly improve power reliability and industrial energy access within Ogun State.”