Ondo Govt Vows Power Sector Overhaul, Targets 700MW to End Chronic Electricity Shortfall
The Ondo State Government has reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to electricity sector reforms, acknowledging that addressing decades of under-generation, weak transmission, and infrastructural gaps is a complex task, but one the state has resolutely embarked upon.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, gave this assurance while featuring on a State Government–owned television programme, where he analysed issues surrounding power supply irregularities, metering discrepancies, and ongoing government interventions in the sector.
According to him, claims that Band A customers are prioritised solely for revenue purposes are inaccurate. He explained that the DisCo is obligated to comply with the national service agreement, which guarantees Band A customers a minimum of 22 hours of electricity supply daily.
“Nigeria currently has about 5,000MW on the national grid, even though generation capacity exceeds this figure. After national power rationing, only about 9% of available power is allocated to Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, and Delta States combined, with Ondo State receiving approximately 30MW, which is grossly inadequate,” he said.
“Ondo State requires about 700MW, and we are actively working towards direct power procurement to free the State from poor and unreliable allocations.”
Engr. Alabi stressed that public cooperation, particularly through the adoption of metering, remains critical to resolving electricity challenges. He described metering as a major solution that enables accurate billing, energy conservation, energy management, and the elimination of estimated billing.
“The State Government has introduced a subsidised metering initiative to accelerate electricity reforms across Ondo State. Citizens are encouraged to embrace this opportunity promptly,” he added.
Reacting to complaints from parts of Akoko South experiencing power irregularities, the Commissioner advised affected residents to formally notify Benin Electricity Ondo Limited (BEOL) for immediate attention. He further urged residents to adopt metering to avoid exploitation through charges for electricity not supplied.
He also disclosed that some Akoko communities currently receive power from AEDC Okene due to the absence of a national grid connection from the Ondo axis. In response, the State has developed an Electricity Roadmap to establish a State-owned smart grid spanning the South, Central, and Northern districts.
“Having set up our own electricity market, we must take full responsibility for our grid. Our goal is to end over-dependence on the national grid,” he said.
On metering pricing, Engr. Alabi clarified that O’Datiwa meters remain officially priced at ₦120,000 for single-phase and ₦220,000 for three-phase, warning that any meter sold below these rates is not government-issued.
He further addressed the Federal Government–World Bank DISREP metering initiative, noting that the programme does not include installation charges, and advised that deployment should be routed through states with established electricity markets for effective monitoring and accountability.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s commitment to access, stability, and quality power supply, emphasizing the development of a State-owned power grid to ensure electricity balance and sustainable economic growth for all residents.
