Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially inaugurated Phase 1 of the 11MW Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant (IBHP), marking a significant milestone in his administration’s sustainable energy initiatives. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Power House within the State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, on December 6.
This innovative hybrid facility integrates solar and gas energy technologies, aimed at improving the power supply in the state, lowering energy costs, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Developed through a private sector-driven approach under the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, the power plant will provide electricity to key government facilities, including the state Secretariat and the House of Assembly.
Governor Makinde, a strong advocate for sustainable development in Oyo State, celebrated the Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant as a groundbreaking achievement for the state’s energy sector. He emphasized that the completion of Phase 1 will ensure a stable power supply to essential infrastructure, including 12 healthcare facilities, a sports complex, judicial complexes, and several schools.
He highlighted the dual benefits of the hybrid power system: enhancing energy availability for industries and households while simultaneously reducing the state’s carbon footprint through the use of renewable resources, in line with global climate change efforts.
“This project will not only improve safety and visibility but also enhance energy reliability and sustainability in our state. It is meant to serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives across Nigeria,” Makinde stated during the ceremony.
He elaborated on the significance of this phase, describing it as a crucial component for future growth in Oyo State. “Every entrepreneur understands that growth requires resources while managing expenses. This is precisely what we have been working towards in Oyo State over the past five and a half years.”
He noted that the power plant is entirely funded by private investment, recognizing that the government lacks the finances to undertake such projects alone. “Our role has been to create a conducive environment for investors to operate, demonstrating our commitment to development through infrastructure investments that connect all regions of the state.”
Governor Makinde also stressed the importance of agribusiness and security in attracting investments to the state, asserting that these efforts have contributed to a notable economic boost. “Our GDP surged from N2.75 trillion in 2019 to N4.05 trillion by 2022. Investors consistently emphasize the necessity of reliable power supply for significant economic transformation.”
He acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in terms of power generation and distribution, remarking, “We are far from where we need to be as a nation, which is why many rely on generators. The groundbreaking of this project on December 11, 2021, was a pivotal moment for us.”
Makinde expressed optimism about the state’s ability to meet its power requirements independently, thanks to recent legislative advancements, including the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Bill, which has now been enacted. This will streamline future power projects.
“Today, we celebrate the commissioning of the first phase of this Independent Power Project (IPP). I want to extend my gratitude to our partners who have trusted us with their investments. I assure you of our commitment to fulfilling our payment obligations,” he added.
With the completion of this phase, Oyo State has scaled up its electricity production from a mini-grid system to generating 5MW—4MW from gas and 1MW from solar energy. While this may seem modest compared to the average 80MW from the national grid, it represents a significant step towards greater energy independence.
Lastly, Makinde highlighted the potential for solar energy deployment in Oyo State, particularly in the Igbojaiye area of Itesiwaju local government, as part of a broader strategy to maximize renewable energy resources.
