By Abdullahi Lukman
In a bid to expand Nigeria’s renewable energy portfolio, the federal government has concessioned the 6MW Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant, Iseyin, Oyo State, to Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The concession handover was carried out on Friday, January 30, 2026, by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside his Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation counterpart, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Adelabu said the project reflects the federal government’s determination to unlock dormant energy assets and reposition existing infrastructure for clean and sustainable power generation.
He explained that the Ikere Gorge Dam, originally constructed for water supply and irrigation, is now being strategically transformed into a source of renewable electricity to support national power sector reforms.
According to the Minister, the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes energy access, private sector investment, and market-driven reforms in the electricity industry.
He cited recent milestones such as the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, improved generation capacity, expanded metering, and regional grid integration as evidence of progress in the sector.
Also speaking, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Utsev, described the concession as a practical demonstration of effective inter-ministerial collaboration and innovative infrastructure financing.
He noted that the Public-Private Partnership model has become critical in closing funding gaps while accelerating the delivery of power and water-related infrastructure nationwide.
Prof. Utsev recalled that planning for the hydropower component of the Ikere Gorge Dam began in 2012, adding that similar PPP hydropower projects—such as the Dadinkowa and Kashimbila plants—are already contributing to electricity supply, job creation, and economic growth.
He added that the Gurara Hydropower Plant is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026.
The minister commended the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for its oversight role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money in the concession process.
In his response, the Chief Executive Officer of Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bolaji Durodola, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to manage the hydropower facility, pledging to deploy modern technology to maximize generation capacity and create employment opportunities, particularly for youths in host communities.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from 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.