Over the weekend, Messrs. Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited received the six megawatt Ikere Gorge hydropower project in Iseyin, Oyo State, from the Federal Government.

In order to increase power supply, the handover was carried out under a Public-Private Partnership concession agreement.

Terhemen Oraduen, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation's personal assistant on media and publicity, signed a statement announcing this development.

Oraduen claims that Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, and Engineer Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, conducted the event.

During the ceremony, Engr. According to Utsev, the concession represents a major turning point in the federal government's efforts to close funding shortages for infrastructure and improve sustainable electricity generation by involving the private sector.

The Minister also praised the idea behind the creation of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, highlighting its vital role in guaranteeing efficiency, value for money, and transparency in PPP-driven infrastructure development.

He underlined how crucial it is to use the resources and experience of the private sector to supplement state investments.

He highlighted that the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant is the product of a long-standing collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Power, dating back to 2012, aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s hydropower potential.

He added that similar PPP initiatives in hydropower and irrigation are already contributing to increased electricity generation, food security, and job creation across the country.

The Minister further outlined ongoing and completed PPP hydropower projects, including the operational Dadinkowa and Kashimbila Hydropower Plants, the Gurara Hydropower Plant expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026, and other large-scale projects at various stages of procurement and development nationwide.

He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strong commitment to private sector-led growth and infrastructure development, as well as to the ICRC for its relentless support in delivering impactful PPP projects.

The Minister urged the concessionaire to optimize and enhance the plant’s capacity by deploying advanced technology.

In his remarks, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to private sector-driven growth in the power sector, describing the handover as a new chapter in sustainable energy development.

He noted that the Ikere Gorge Dam, initially developed for water supply and irrigation, is now being repositioned as a strategic asset for clean and renewable energy generation.

Chief Adelabu commended the synergy between the Federal Ministries of Power and Water Resources and Sanitation, the leadership of the ICRC, the Oyo State Government, and the host communities for their support and cooperation.

He stated that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to expand energy access, deepen power sector reforms, and attract private investment.

He further highlighted key milestones achieved in the power sector under the current administration, including sector liberalization through the Electricity Act 2023, increased generation capacity, improved revenue performance, regional grid synchronization within West Africa, and large-scale metering initiatives.

In addition to promoting greater private sector involvement in Nigeria's changing energy landscape, both Ministers gave stakeholders assurances that the Federal Government would continue to closely monitor the concession to guarantee adherence to safety, environmental, and performance criteria.

Bolaji Durodola, the CEO of Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, thanked the Federal Government for selecting his company to handle the hydropower component at the dam and pledged to support the government's efforts to enhance the nation's power industry and create employment opportunities for the hordes of young people.

The welcome address was delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman.

Dr. Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, delivered the closing remarks.

The Ajirotutu of Iseyin, Chief Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr. Oseodion Ewalefoh, and the Managing Director of the Ogun–Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. (Dr.) Adedeji Ashiru, all sent messages of goodwill.

Along with many members of the community, directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation were also present at the ceremony. These directors included Engineer Ali Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations; Engineer Zachaeus Akinjogbin, Director of PPP; and Engineer Christy Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate.