The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over the continued use of fuel powered generators to operate streetlights, questioning the sustainability of the arrangement and the outcome of the state’s independent power project.
The organisation, in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, rejected Makinde’s explanation that inadequate electricity supply necessitated the use of generators. It argued that the Electricity Act 2023 gives states the legal framework to develop electricity solutions within their jurisdictions.
The campaign organisation noted that Oyo State had established the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and assumed regulatory responsibilities over its intrastate electricity market. It therefore argued that the state could attract private investment, license power projects and pursue alternative sources of electricity.
It also questioned the outcome of the 11 megawatt Independent Power Project awarded to Elektron Energy. The organisation put the project’s value at ₦8.5 billion and alleged that it failed to deliver the expected electricity before the state government terminated it late last year.
According to the campaign organisation, the project was expected to provide electricity for critical public infrastructure, including streetlights, the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi and health facilities. It challenged the government to explain why the project had not achieved those objectives.
The group further alleged that some diesel powered streetlights were no longer functioning, leaving major roads without adequate lighting, while the cost of fuelling and replacing generators continued to place pressure on public finances.
The organisation also cited electricity projects in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Ekiti as examples of state level power initiatives, claiming that the states had recorded generation capacities of 188 megawatts, 191 megawatts and 8.6 megawatts respectively.
It argued that Oyo State should pursue a broader electricity strategy involving solar powered streetlights, embedded generation, renewable energy, independent distribution networks and greater private sector participation.
The campaign organisation said such measures would form part of Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s proposed approach to electricity development if elected governor, while calling for greater accountability over public funds committed to power projects.
Governor Makinde had earlier defended the use of diesel powered generators for some streetlights, saying the arrangement was linked to the wider electricity challenges affecting the country.
Leave a comment