By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has formally handed over the 6-megawatt Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant in Iseyin, Oyo State, to Messrs. Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession, marking a major step in Nigeria’s drive to expand renewable energy and close infrastructure financing gaps.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, was jointly performed by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, and the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Utsev described the concession as a strategic milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to leverage private sector capital and expertise to deliver sustainable infrastructure. He said the PPP arrangement underscores the administration’s resolve to enhance power generation while ensuring value for money, transparency and efficiency.
Prof. Utsev highlighted that similar PPP initiatives are already yielding results nationwide, citing the operational Dadinkowa and Kashimbila Hydropower Plants, while the Gurara Hydropower Plant is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026. He added that other large-scale hydropower projects are at various stages of procurement and development.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for championing private sector-led growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda and urged the concessionaire to deploy advanced technology to optimize and enhance the plant’s capacity.
In his remarks, Chief Adelabu said the handover represents a new chapter in Nigeria’s pursuit of clean and renewable energy. He noted that the Ikere Gorge Dam, originally developed for water supply and irrigation, is now being repositioned as a strategic asset for power generation.
The Power Minister praised the synergy between relevant ministries, the ICRC, the Oyo State Government and host communities, noting that the project aligns with ongoing power sector reforms.
He highlighted key achievements under the current administration, including the Electricity Act 2023, improved generation capacity, better revenue performance, regional grid synchronization in West Africa and expanded metering initiatives.
Both ministers assured stakeholders of continued government oversight to ensure compliance with safety, environmental and performance standards, while encouraging increased private sector participation in the energy sector.
Chief Executive Officer of Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Bolaji Durodola, thanked the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in his company and pledged to efficiently manage the hydropower component of the dam, create jobs and contribute to improved electricity supply.
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The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, delivered the welcome address, while the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Emanso Umobong, gave the closing remarks.
Goodwill messages were presented by the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr. Oseodion Ewalefoh; the Ajirotutu of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola; and the Managing Director of the Ogun–Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. (Dr.) Adedeji Ashiru. Directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and members of the host communities also attended the ceremony.
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