By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the politicisation of technical challenges in the power sector and has rejected allegations of incompetence against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister on Saturday, the Ministry clarified that the transmission challenges affecting Ibarapa predate the current administration, saying the challenges were largely caused by funding shortfalls and unresolved compensation issues linked to critical infrastructure of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The statement described the politicisation of largely technical matters as regrettable and urged lawmakers to prioritise constructive engagement and collaboration between federal and state authorities to improve electricity supply in Oyo State.
According to Tunji, the State Assembly should focus on its constitutional responsibilities, particularly in light of recent amendments that place electricity on the Concurrent Legislative List, empowering states to generate, transmit, and distribute power within their jurisdictions.
The statement said while several states have taken advantage of these provisions to establish independent power initiatives, Oyo State has yet to fully utilise these opportunities to complement federal efforts.
It questioned why the Assembly failed to hold the State Government accountable for the unsuccessful Independent Power Project undertaken with Elektron Energy, despite significant public investment.
“The contractor reportedly suspended services due to persistent non-payment.”
It also expressed concern that the Assembly is raising these issues after nearly seven years in office and less than a year to the next general elections, describing the action as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the Minister, rather than addressing genuine service delivery concerns.
Tunji confirmed that concrete steps are being taken to restore stable electricity supply to Ibarapaland. The major delay on the transmission project was linked to the non-release of funds for compensation to affected landowners—an issue that arose before the current Minister assumed office.
The Ministry disclosed that contractors are currently on site to assess affected properties and commence compensation payments, thereby enabling full-scale project implementation.
