Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Wednesday disclosed that his administration has spent over N4 billion to improve electricity supply across the state.
He made this known while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for the implementation of off-grid power projects.
The agreement, signed in Abuja during a state-focused roundtable with the REA, is aimed at accelerating energy access to unserved and underserved communities in Ekiti, with a focus on catalysing rural economic development through sustainable and reliable power supply.
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Speaking at the event, Oyebanji described the partnership as a ‘game changer’ that would help unlock private capital investment to support energy sufficiency in the state.
He noted that the electricity conversation goes beyond infrastructure, stating it is ultimately about powering homes, stimulating economic activity, and ensuring no community is left in the dark.
“Today’s event is not simply about electricity or renewable energy; it’s about our people. It’s about lighting up homes, powering our economy, and creating a future where no community is left behind,” Oyebanji said.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in the energy sector, he revealed that over 40 towns have been reconnected to the national grid after years of blackout.
He said the state currently operates an Independent Power Project (IPP) supplying 2.6MW to government facilities and is also investing in solar energy for hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and schools.
Oyebanji added that efforts to close the metering gap have resulted in the installation of prepaid meters in thousands of homes, reducing the gap by 80% and ending the era of estimated billing.
He reaffirmed his government’s target to achieve 120MW of electricity by 2030 through public-private partnerships and sustained investor support.
Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, lauded the Oyebanji administration for prioritising energy access and for creating an enabling policy environment that encourages sustainable development.
He said the partnership would significantly reshape the energy landscape in the state through off-grid solutions that target rural and underserved areas.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mobolaji Aluko, hailed the MoU as a milestone in the state’s pursuit of universal electricity access.
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He noted that the collaboration aligns with the government’s strategic infrastructure plan, which prioritises extending electricity to rural and economically active communities.
The signing ceremony was attended by several government officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro; Technical Adviser on Power Infrastructure, Philip Atere; Executive Secretary of the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Dare Samson; and senior REA executives.
