• Aiyedatiwa inaugurates electricity regulatory transition committee
• Tasks committee on improved power supply

Ondo State Government, yesterday, took measures to take ownership and control of energy resources within the state from the Federal Government to ensure efficient supply of energy across the state.

The state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while inaugurating a committee to oversee the transition period of regulatory oversight transfer from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state, said that the move would improve electricity supply within the state.

According to the governor, the committee’s principal mandate will be to develop modalities for the improvement of electricity supply within the state, ensure smooth transfer of authority from federal institutions to the state, enhance local governance, and also control electricity for the benefit of residents of the state.

Members of the committee include Tunji Ariyomo as chairman; Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy; and Johnson Alabi, who will serve as vice chairman.

Other members of the committee are Iyabo Adefemi, a former Regional Head of BEDC, and Olumayowa Ajumobi, the Director of Planning of the Ondo State Power Company (OSPC), while the State Coordinator of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB), Stephen Bolawole, will serve as the Secretary.

Gbenga Akeju will represent the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) as a member of the committee, while the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has been directed to nominate a representative.

Aiyedatiwa, who emphasised the importance of the transition for the development of the state, said: “This committee is a vital step towards achieving our goal of a more efficient and locally controlled electricity regulatory market.

“By taking charge of our regulatory framework, we can better address the unique needs of our state and ensure a more reliable and sustainable power supply for our citizens. Having a substantial part of Ondo State in darkness is simply unacceptable.”

“The transition is expected to streamline regulatory processes, enhance accountability, and ultimately lead to improvement in electricity supply and distribution within Ondo State.”

The committee, he said, will work closely with various stakeholders, including NERC and the Benin Disco, to ensure a smooth and effective handover.