The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially 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) arrangement.
The handover ceremony, which took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, was jointly performed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Utsev described the concession as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to bridge infrastructure financing gaps and promote sustainable power generation through private sector participation. He commended the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for its role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and value for money in PPP projects.
The Minister noted that the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant is the outcome of long-standing collaboration between the Ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation and Power, dating back to 2012. He added that similar hydropower and irrigation PPP initiatives are already boosting electricity generation, food security, and job creation nationwide.
Prof. Utsev highlighted other ongoing and completed projects, including the Dadinkowa and Kashimbila Hydropower Plants, as well as the Gurara Hydropower Plant, which is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2026. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to private sector-led development and urged the concessionaire to deploy advanced technology to optimize the plant’s capacity.
In his remarks, Chief Adebayo Adelabu described the handover as a new chapter in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable energy. He noted that the Ikere Gorge Dam, originally built for water supply and irrigation, is now being repositioned as a strategic asset for renewable energy generation.
The Minister of Power commended the collaboration among the relevant ministries, the ICRC, the Oyo State Government, and host communities. He said the project aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at expanding energy access, deepening power sector reforms, and attracting private investment.
Chief Adelabu also highlighted key achievements under the current administration, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, improved generation capacity, enhanced revenue performance, regional grid synchronization, and nationwide metering initiatives.
Both ministers assured stakeholders of continued government oversight to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and performance standards, while encouraging more private sector participation in the energy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bolaji Durodola, thanked the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in his firm and pledged to deliver quality service, create jobs, and contribute to the growth of the power sector.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, delivered the welcome address, while the Permanent Secretary of the 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.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, including Engr. Ali Dallah, Engr. Zachaeus Akinjogbin, and Engr. Christy Oduh, as well as community leaders and residents.
