By Erewunmi Peace

Oyo State is set to become a major player in Nigeria’s energy transition as it pushes toward generating 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity before Governor Seyi Makinde completes his second term in office.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources disclosed this during a press briefing in Ibadan, where he outlined the state’s long-term energy blueprint, which includes solar, hybrid, and gas-powered projects.

“With the legal and policy frameworks now in place, we are confident Oyo State will hit its 500MW target before 2027,” he said.

Solar and Hybrid Projects Lead the Charge

The state’s flagship energy development, a 500MW solar power project located in Igbajoye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, is already underway. This follows the successful launch of Phase 1 of the Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, which currently supplies 11MW of power to key state institutions.

The hybrid plant, operated under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, supplies power to the Oyo State Secretariat, the Government House, the State Hospital, and several water corporations.

⚖️ Legal Reforms Strengthen Energy Autonomy

Earlier in 2024, Governor Makinde signed the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill, granting the state authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power independently of the national grid.

This makes Oyo one of the first Nigerian states to fully embrace energy decentralization following the 2023 constitutional amendment that removed electricity generation from the exclusive legislative list.

Why It Matters

If achieved, the 500MW target will:

Drastically reduce power outages

Boost industrial productivity

Enable power exports to neighboring states and countries

Create jobs across the renewable energy value chain

Public and Industry Reactions

Energy experts have hailed Oyo’s ambition as a model for other states. Local businesses are also optimistic, especially manufacturers who have long struggled with unreliable grid power.

Quick Facts:

Goal: 500MW power generation by 2027

Projects: Solar (main), Hybrid (gas + solar)

Legal Backing: Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill

Progress: 11MW hybrid plant completed; solar project ongoing

Potential to export power regionally

Oyo’s energy drive reflects a larger national shift toward state-led power generation and cleaner, sustainable energy sources. As implementation continues, all eyes will be on Ibadan to deliver a project that could reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape.