The Federal Government has handed over the 6-megawatt Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant in Iseyin, Oyo State, to Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
The handover ceremony, in Iseyin, was performed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, alongside the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Professor Utsev described the concession as a major step in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity generation through private sector participation.
He said the move will help bridge infrastructure financing gaps while promoting sustainable and renewable energy development.
The Minister noted that the Ikere Gorge project is part of ongoing collaboration between the Ministries of Water Resources and Power to harness Nigeria’s hydropower potential.
He listed other projects including the operational Dadinkowa and Kashimbila plants, as well as the Gurara Hydropower Plant expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2026.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the concession marks a new phase in repositioning national water infrastructure for clean energy production.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at expanding energy access, deepening power sector reforms, and attracting private investment.
Chief Adelabu also highlighted reforms in the sector, including the Electricity Act 2023, improvements in generation capacity, and ongoing metering initiatives.
The Chief Executive Officer of Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Bolaji Durodola, assured that the company will efficiently manage the hydropower component and contribute to job creation.
Both Ministers assured that government will maintain oversight to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
The Ikere Gorge Dam was originally developed for water supply and irrigation but is now being optimized to support renewable power generation.
