The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Abeokuta Branch has called on the Ogun State Government to leverage the $500 million JICA power investment in Nigeria to improve power infrastructure and, by extension, supply in the state.
The NSE in a statement signed by the Abeokuta Branch chairman, Engr Olumayowa Idowu, said the recently announced $500 million investment by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which targets the enhancement of power infrastructure along the Ogun-Lagos industrial corridor, is a very good opportunity for Ogun State to upgrade power infrastructure in the State thereby enhancing the quality and quantum of power supply to the State.
The JICA investment, announced by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, focuses on strengthening the transmission network in key industrial areas such as Agbara, Sagamu, and Mowe.
The initiative is also viewed as a vital steps toward resolving the ongoing power supply challenges in these regions.
Idowu urged the Ogun state government to collaborate with gas pipeline operators to strengthen the infrastructure supplying gas to power plants and industries within Ogun State.
He emphasized that ensuring a steady and reliable supply of gas is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the upgraded power transmission infrastructure and sustaining industrial productivity.
While advocating for local content in the execution of power projects, Idowu stressed the importance of involving local engineers in line with Executive Order 5.
“By leveraging the Local Content Act, we can ensure that our engineers play a key role in executing these projects, fostering local expertise, and contributing to the economic empowerment of our communities,” he added.
The NSE Branch chairman, however, commended the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Power under Adelabu’s leadership.
He applauded the efforts of JICA, the Ministry of Power, and all stakeholders involved, expressing optimism for continued collaboration to achieve the shared goal of improving power supply and driving economic growth in Ogun State.
While highlighting the importance of ongoing projects under the Presidential Power Initiative and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), including the construction of new power transmission substations, upgrades to existing facilities, and the reconductoring of weakened high-voltage power lines, Idowu pointed out that “these projects are crucial for boosting Ogun State’s power transmission capacity, which is essential for the continued growth of its industrial zones”.
“As a professional body with extensive expertise in engineering and infrastructure development, the NSE Abeokuta Branch reiterates its commitment to collaborating with both federal and state governments in executing these projects. Our organization expresses its readiness to offer professional services and technical expertise to ensure that the projects meet the highest standards and deliver long-term benefits to the people and industries of Ogun State”, Idowu submitted in the statement.
