Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reassured residents that his administration is stepping up efforts to deliver a more regular and reliable electricity supply across the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday while speaking with journalists as part of activities marking the ongoing 50th anniversary celebration of Ondo State.
His comments come on the heels of the Federal Government’s recent decision to transfer electricity regulatory powers to some states, including Ondo, Enugu, Ekiti and Imo. The move allows states to license private investors to run mini-grids and power plants, a development expected to boost competition and improve electricity supply.
Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State is fully taking advantage of the new framework to independently regulate electricity distribution in the interest of residents.
According to him, the state government is currently focused on strengthening regulation, improving power distribution and working closely with electricity distribution companies to enhance supply.
“Yes, we are not generating power for now, but in terms of regulation and distribution, we are very active. We have done a lot in that sector,” the governor said.
He added that the government maintains close collaboration with all electricity distribution companies operating in the state.
“All the DISCOs in Ondo State are working with us. We have the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which interfaces with them. So, we are now in charge of our own electricity,” he explained.
Addressing the long-standing issue of estimated billing, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the introduction of the ‘O’ Datiwa Meter’ initiative, describing it as a deliberate effort to ensure transparency and fairness in electricity charges.
“Don’t forget the O’ Datiwa meter initiative. When our people were being slammed with outrageous bills, we had to step in and subsidise the distribution of meters,” he said.
The governor also noted that electricity supply has become more stable in some parts of the state since his administration took office, attributing the improvement to sustained engagement with distribution companies.
“If you look around, you will see that power supply has been fairly constant in some areas since we came on board. That is the result of our continuous engagement with the distribution company,” he stated.
While acknowledging that electricity tariffs are still high for many residents, Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence that costs would gradually come down as the system improves.
“Just like GSM when it was first introduced, it was expensive. Today, it is affordable. Electricity will follow the same path. With time, things will improve and become cheaper for everyone,” he said.
The governor’s remarks come just days after he reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the proposed deep seaport project in Ondo State before the end of his administration. The project, initially approved under former President Muhammadu Buhari, recently had its licence revalidated by the Federal Government.
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