Oredola Adeola

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has confirmed the plan utilisation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) $200million loan to enhance transmission infrastructure along the Lagos-Ogun Industrial Corridor, which includes the Agbara, Mowe, and Sagamu industrial clusters.

The disclosure was made in a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, following a visit by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to the Ministry of Power in Abuja on Thursday evening.

Checks by Advisors Reports showed that in 2018, Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, oversaw the negotiation and signing of the $200 million loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Advisors Reports further confirmed the JICA transmission projects 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.

Meanwhile, during the meeting with the Ogun State Governor, Chief Adelabu mentioned that the JICA intervention project is designed to strengthen the transmission infrastructure critical to the industrial zones along the Lagos-Ogun corridor.

“We also have the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) projects, which include boosting power transmission infrastructure within and outside the Ogun industrial corridors. Additionally, ongoing projects by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) aim to enhance power supply to Ogun State.

“These initiatives will involve constructing new power transmission substations, upgrading existing ones, and reinforcing high-voltage power lines to expand capacity and reliability”, said the Minister.

Minister Adelabu also urged the Governor to collaborate with the Ministry to advocate for improvements in gas pipeline infrastructure within the state, which is crucial for maintaining adequate gas supplies to power plants and industries.

Governor Abiodun in his remark, commended the Minister for the noticeable improvements in power supply across the country and the ongoing transformations in the power sector.

He encouraged the Minister to sustain the momentum, emphasizing that it would further boost the nation’s economy.

“I came to visit and further encourage the Minister to sustain the noticeable improvement and wonders that he is performing in the power sector,” said Governor Abiodun.

The Governor also called for special attention to Ogun State, acknowledging the Minister’s recent visits to key industries and power plants in the state, including Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company, Coleman Wires and Cables, and the Olorunsogo NDPHC NIPP Power Plant in Papa Lanto.

Governor Abiodun officially invited Minister Adelabu to Ogun State to engage with industrialists and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The visit will, according to the Governor, also include showcasing the state’s achievements in modern agriculture, CNG and electric vehicle projects, and renewable energy initiatives.

Governor Abiodun has therefore urged the Minister to address Ogun’s industrialists and outline the Ministry’s plans for further enhancing power supply in the state, which remains a vital industrial hub in Nigeria.