Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the Federal Government was determined to use the $500m Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s intervention project to improve power services along the Lagos – Ogun Industrial corridor, by strengthening transmission infrastructure within the corridor.
He explained that areas to be covered include the Agbara, Mowe and Shagamu industrial clusters.
He spoke when the Governor of Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, visited him according to a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji.
Adelabu said: “We also have the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) projects, the highlights of which include boosting power transmission infrastructure within and outside the Ogun industrial corridors. Also ongoing are some Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)’s projects aimed at enhancing power supply to Ogun State.
“All these will involve building additional power transmission substations and upgrading existing ones as well as reconductoring existing weak high voltage power lines and new extensions for capacity strengthening and expansion.”
Reports indicated that former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in 2018, supervised the negotiation and signing of the then $200 million loan agreement with JICA.
The loan was also referenced in 2022 by the then-Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, when consultancy services for line route studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and the environmental and social management plan for the proposed project in Lagos and Ogun states were completed.
Sources also said that the JICA transmission project is expected to deliver approximately 203 km of high-voltage transmission lines and six high-voltage substations, benefiting five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ogun State and one in Lagos State, covering around 200 communities.
Adelabu also appealed to Abiodun to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure that gas pipeline operators improve the pipeline infrastructures passing through the state to boost the pressure quality and quantity of gas supplies to power plants and industries within the state.
He also promised to undertake an official visit to the state soon as requested by the Governor to enable him to meet with the industrialists within the corridor to explore possible areas of cooperation and collaboration.
The Governor, according to the statement, applauded the Minister for the some developments in power supply across Nigeria. He enjoined the minister to sustain the momentum, which he said would help further galvanize the economy.
Abiodun said: “I came to visit my dear brother, our very brilliant Minister of Power who is performing wonders in the power sector and to further encourage him to sustain the noticeable improvement.”
The governor also canvassed for special attention to Ogun State being one of the nation’s key industrial clusters. He also acknowledged the recent working visits of the Minister to some power plants and industries in the State.
“As part of my visit, I want to make a special appeal to you for special attention to further enhance power infrastructures and supply to Ogun State, which is a key industrial hub in the country. I am aware that since your assumption of duty, you have visited some major industries and Power plants in the state like Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company, Coleman Wires and Cables and Splendor Electric, producer of Porcelin high voltage electric insulators as well as the Olorunsogo NDPHC NIPP Power plant in Papa Lanto. However, we have a lot more to show you.”
The Governor thereafter officially invited the Minister to Ogun State to meet with the industrialists in the State and also visit some of the government key initiatives in areas of modern agriculture, CNG and Electric vehicles projects as well as in renewable energy exploits.
“We would like to invite you to address our industrialists and expatiate on the Ministry’s immediate and long-term plan to further boost supply beyond current improvements. Your visit will also enable us to showcase what we have in the state and to further explore areas of collaboration with the ministry,” he said.
