Ogun State Targets 24-Hour Power Supply with Comprehensive Consumption Audit and Infrastructure Overhaul

May 06, (THEWILL) — In a bold move toward achieving energy self-sufficiency and 24-hour electricity for residents and businesses, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a comprehensive power consumption audit. The initiative aims to track actual electricity usage, plug systemic leakages, and curb energy theft across the state’s expanding grid.

The governor made this announcement during an unscheduled inspection of the 4-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday. The visit underscored the administration’s hands-on approach to addressing one of Nigeria’s most persistent developmental challenges: unreliable power supply.

Why a Consumption Audit Matters: Beyond Metering

Governor Abiodun explained that the audit is not merely a technical exercise but a strategic tool for governance. “We need to know exactly how much electricity we generate, how much is consumed, and where it goes,” he said. “Without this data, we cannot plan effectively or hold distributors accountable.”

The audit will involve a detailed mapping of electricity flow from the Oke-Mosan plant to end-users, including government buildings, streetlights, industrial zones, and residential areas. By identifying leakages—such as illegal connections, unmetered consumption, and technical losses—the state hopes to recover lost revenue and improve supply efficiency.

This move is particularly significant given Nigeria’s chronic power sector challenges, where distribution losses often exceed 40% due to theft and infrastructure decay. Ogun’s approach could serve as a model for other states seeking to optimize their energy assets.

The Oke-Mosan Plant: A Clean Energy Benchmark

The 4-megawatt gas-fired facility is part of the Ogun State Light-Up Project, a broader initiative to illuminate public spaces, power critical infrastructure, and attract investment. Governor Abiodun emphasized the plant’s environmental credentials: “What you see here behind me is a gas-fired Independent Power Plant currently generating four megawatts. It doesn’t get cleaner than this.”

Natural gas, while still a fossil fuel, produces significantly fewer emissions than diesel or heavy fuel oil, making it a transitional energy source in Nigeria’s shift toward renewables. The governor contrasted this with older, inefficient plants: “You cannot compare this with some power plants that have been sitting idle for over 16 years, running on fuel oil. It is unacceptable that, in the 21st century, such outdated systems were procured.”

The Oke-Mosan plant is designed for scalability, with the capacity to double or triple output as demand grows. Similarly, the 34-megawatt plant in Onijanganjangan is also built for expansion, signaling the state’s long-term commitment to energy independence.

Regulatory Framework: The Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission

A key enabler of this transformation is the newly inaugurated Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OSERC). This body will oversee generation, transmission, and distribution within the state, ensuring that private and public operators adhere to standards of reliability, safety, and fair pricing.

Governor Abiodun noted that OSERC’s creation aligns with the 2023 Electricity Act, which empowers states to regulate their own electricity markets. “We are not waiting for the federal government to solve our problems,” he said. “We are taking charge of our energy future.”

This regulatory autonomy allows Ogun to license independent power producers, set tariffs, and enforce quality-of-service metrics—tools that are critical for attracting private investment. For example, a manufacturer considering a factory in Ogun can now rely on a state-backed regulatory framework that guarantees stable power, reducing the need for expensive diesel generators.

Economic Impact: Power as a Driver of Industrialization

Reliable electricity is the lifeblood of any industrial economy. Ogun State, already home to major manufacturing hubs like Sagamu, Agbara, and Mowe, stands to gain significantly from improved power supply. Governor Abiodun described electricity as “a key driver of industrialization,” noting that consistent power would reduce production costs, increase competitiveness, and create jobs.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the impact is even more profound. A bakery in Abeokuta, for instance, currently spends up to 40% of its revenue on diesel to run generators. With stable grid power, that cost could be redirected to expansion, hiring, or product innovation.

The governor also highlighted the state’s comparative advantages: “Currently, Ogun State enjoys several comparative and competitive advantages. We are close to Lagos, have abundant land, and now we are building the energy infrastructure to match our ambitions.”

Practical Examples: What 24-Hour Power Means for Communities

To illustrate the tangible benefits, consider a typical community in Ogun State. Under the current system, power may be available for only 6–8 hours a day, forcing residents to rely on kerosene lamps, candles, or small generators. This limits children’s study time, hampers small businesses, and poses safety risks.

With the Light-Up Project and the consumption audit, the state aims to deliver 24-hour power to key areas, including:

• Healthcare facilities: Hospitals and clinics can operate life-saving equipment without interruption.
• Schools: Evening classes and digital learning become feasible.
• Markets: Traders can extend operating hours, boosting income.
• Street lighting: Improved security and reduced crime in urban and peri-urban areas.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the vision is ambitious, challenges remain. The audit must be thorough and transparent, requiring collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos). Energy theft, deeply entrenched in some areas, will require community engagement and enforcement.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged these hurdles but expressed confidence: “We do not just make promises; we fulfil them without unnecessary noise.” The state is also exploring partnerships with private developers to expand generation capacity, including solar mini-grids for rural areas.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for State-Level Energy Reform

Ogun State’s power audit and infrastructure upgrades represent a pragmatic, data-driven approach to solving Nigeria’s electricity crisis. By combining regulatory reform, clean energy investment, and community-focused distribution, the state is positioning itself as a leader in subnational energy governance.

For residents and investors alike, the message is clear: Ogun is open for business, and the lights will stay on.

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