The Federal Government has formally handed over the construction site for a 63-megavolt-ampere power transformer and associated 132-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, marking the start of a project designed to strengthen the state's electricity infrastructure. The Managing Director of the Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, said at the symbolic handover ceremony on Tuesday that the installation represented a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria's electricity transmission infrastructure and improve power delivery capacity. Anuwe, whose remarks were delivered by Leo Ogwu, the Coordinator of Transmission Lines in Abuja, emphasised that the contractor must demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and technical competence while adhering to the approved project schedule.
The project is expected to be completed within 14 months and will benefit six local government areas: Ila, Ifedayo, Boluwaduro, Boripe, Odo-Otin and Ifelodun. The senator representing Osun Central, Olubiyi Fadeyi, who facilitated the project, said communities in these areas would be moved to Band A classification, receiving more than 20 hours of electricity daily upon completion. Fadeyi explained that the initiative began in 2024 and took two years to reach the execution stage, with support from former and current ministers of power, Adebayo Adelabu and Joseph Tegbe respectively.
Anuwe stressed that the transformer and transmission line would enhance transformation capacity, improve network flexibility and accommodate growing electricity demand. He noted that quality assurance, compliance with engineering specifications, and strict adherence to health, safety and environmental standards must remain non-negotiable throughout the project's execution. The installation is being positioned as a strategic investment in expanding transmission infrastructure and supporting economic growth and industrial development in the region.
Fadeyi said work would start fully on the project by the following week and that his office would distribute free prepaid meters to constituents beginning in December, with the first phase comprising 1,000 meters. Traditional rulers in the area, including the Orangun of Oke Ila and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, commended Fadeyi and the Federal Government for the project and called for its completion within the scheduled timeframe. The rulers said regular power supply would benefit artisans and residents across the six benefiting local government areas.
For residents and businesses in the six Osun local government areas, the project means access to significantly more reliable electricity supply, with communities expected to move to the higher-capacity Band A classification and receive over 20 hours of daily power once the 14-month construction period concludes.