The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has expressed concerns over Oyo State's continued use of fuel-powered generators for streetlights, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde's administration of failing to provide a sustainable electricity solution. In a statement, the campaign organisation argued that the administration's excuse of inadequate electricity supply is a sign of leadership failure. This criticism comes as the organisation cited the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
Oyo State established the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, assuming regulatory oversight previously handled by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). According to the Alli campaign, this development means Governor Makinde has no excuse for the state's current power challenges. The organisation described the ₦8.5 billion Independent Power Project (IPP), valued at 11 megawatts and awarded to Elektron Energy, as a failed project that was terminated late last year.
The terminated project had been expected to provide electricity for critical public infrastructure, including streetlights, the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, and health facilities. The campaign organisation challenged the government to explain why the project failed to deliver on its promises. They also pointed to power projects in other states, such as Abia's 188-megawatt output, Akwa Ibom's 191 megawatts, and Ekiti's 8.6 megawatts, as examples of successful initiatives.
Many diesel-powered streetlights in Oyo State are no longer functioning, leaving major roads dark at night. The campaign organisation attributed this to the excessive cost of fuelling and replacing generators. They expressed concern that Governor Makinde, an electrical engineer by background, would blame irregular electricity supply for the state's power challenges.
The Alli campaign organisation argued that, after more than seven years in office, the administration should address power challenges within its regulatory and institutional capacity rather than attributing them to external factors. They proposed a state electricity strategy that combines solar-powered streetlights, embedded generation, renewable energy, independent distribution networks, and private-sector investment.
The organisation's proposal forms part of Alli's agenda if he becomes governor. They accused the current administration of spending heavily on projects described as publicity-driven and later providing excuses when they fail. The campaign organisation emphasized that leadership's purpose is to solve problems, not to repeatedly describe them or use them as excuses for failure.
The criticism from the Alli campaign organisation highlights the ongoing challenges in Oyo State's power sector and the need for sustainable solutions. As the state continues to grapple with power issues, residents and stakeholders will be watching to see how the administration responds to these criticisms and works to address the state's energy needs.
Key points
- The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation criticizes Governor Seyi Makinde's administration for failing to provide a sustainable electricity solution in Oyo State.
- The ₦8.5 billion Independent Power Project (IPP) in Oyo State was terminated late last year after failing to generate electricity.
- The Alli campaign organisation proposes a state electricity strategy combining solar-powered streetlights, embedded generation, renewable energy, and private-sector investment.
