The Federal Government has commenced five interconnected mini-grid projects across Oyo State with a total capacity of 17.7 megawatts, the Minister of Power announced during a groundbreaking ceremony. The projects are located in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas and are named Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega. A 17.74-megawatt battery energy storage system will support the electricity supply and improve reliability.
Minister Joseph Tegbe said the initiative would improve electricity access to households and businesses, reduce reliance on generators, extend working hours and create opportunities for investment and job creation. The projects form part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to expand electricity access under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. Similar interventions supported by the Rural Electrification Agency have been implemented in Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa and Kaduna states.
The minister dismissed reports that the Federal Government planned to increase electricity tariffs, urging Nigerians to disregard such claims. He said the government's priority was to improve electricity supply and work towards achieving round-the-clock power rather than announce tariff increases. The initiative involved collaboration between government agencies, private companies and development partners including the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.