…as Oyo-Shell gas distribution project progresses
Oyo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, on Wednesday said the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration has transformed the state’s night economy and significantly reduced energy poverty in the last two years through a series of impactful policies and infrastructure projects in the energy sector.
Speaking at the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Shangodoyin highlighted the role of the state’s energy reforms, including the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Law, the Light-Up Oyo Project, SMART LED Solar Street Lights, Hybrid Independent Power Projects, and the establishment of mini grids across communities.
He said: “Through a multi-pronged strategy involving institutional reforms, public-private partnerships, and sustainable energy policies, we have improved energy access and security while enhancing business activities at night and reducing insecurity.”
According to him, the Ministry has focused on five key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): reducing poverty, providing clean energy, fostering economic growth, enhancing innovation and infrastructure, and building sustainable communities. These, he noted, are in line with the administration’s broader roadmaps for accelerated and sustainable development.
Ibadan Gas Project with Shell Underway
Shangodoyin further disclosed that the Ibadan Gas Distribution Project, a major partnership between the Oyo State Government and Shell Nigeria Gas, is on course. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed, and the state is now pursuing the necessary licence from the Nigeria Mainstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
“Once we secure the licence, we will move to the implementation phase of the project, which will further reduce the energy deficit in the state,” he said.
He also reiterated Governor Makinde’s commitment to achieving 500 megawatts of energy generation before leaving office, adding that the administration has already laid the legal and infrastructural groundwork toward that goal.
Progress on Major Energy Projects
Shangodoyin noted that the first phase of the state’s Independent Power Project, completed in December 2024, currently generates 5 megawatts of power. The second phase, projected to generate an additional 6 megawatts, is ongoing. He explained that the power generated is already sustaining the State Secretariat Complex, with 2.4 to 2.8 megawatts used during the day and 1 megawatt of solar energy at night.
In addition, the Ministry has supplied solar power to 21 Primary Health Care Centres, and continues to distribute and install transformers in various communities including New Bodija, Aremo, Ilora Farm Settlement, Akobo, and Air Force High School.
Light-up Oyo Project & Night Economy Boost
On the popular Light-up Oyo Project, the Commissioner said Phase 2, covering 223.48 kilometres of road lighting, has reached 75 percent completion. The project, powered by a combination of gas, generator, and electricity from IBEDC (a “Trybrid” approach), is credited with enhancing security and driving economic activities at night.
“Major routes like Ojoo-Dugbe, Dugbe-Molete, Yemetu-Beere-Challenge, and Molete-Akobo are now lit at night. These lights are not only improving safety but stimulating commerce and the night economy,” he said.
He also highlighted the introduction of solar-powered smart LED street lights, with 85km of installations approved and 43.12km completed within Ibadan so far. The rest are being extended to other zones of the state.
Mini-Grids and Rural Electrification
To extend energy access to underserved areas, the Ministry has completed several mini-grid projects in rural communities, including Ajia (Ona Ara), Otefon (Atiba), Agbaruru (Iwajowa), and others under a PPP arrangement. In total, mini-grids have been delivered to 15 communities across Iwajowa, Oriire, Itesiwaju, Saki West, and Surulere Local Government Areas.
“These projects are a testament to Governor Makinde’s promise to power rural areas and improve the quality of life for all citizens,” he said.
Innovative Lighting and Urban Beautification
Highlighting innovations, the Commissioner mentioned the installation of a 30-metre-high floodlight with 18 masts on Bridge 1 of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, the first of its kind in South-West Nigeria. Similar installations are ongoing at other locations including Onipepeye and Badeku areas to further stimulate night-time commerce and urban appeal.
“We have powered 50 markets, motor parks, hospitals, and highways with over 1,300 all-in-one solar street lights,” Shangodoyin added.
Future Focus and Institutional Reforms
In line with the recently launched Legacy Compact framework, the Ministry is now focusing on removing investment bottlenecks, addressing technical skill deficits, enhancing maintenance capacity, and strengthening rural electrification and donor engagement strategies.
“We will continue to key into Governor Makinde’s vision to make Oyo State functional, economically vibrant, socially harmonious, and a preferred destination for all,” the Commissioner concluded.
