The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Abeokuta branch has expressed strong support for the recently announced $500 million investment by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance power infrastructure in Ogun State.

This investment, disclosed by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu focuses on strengthening the transmission network along the Lagos-Ogun Industrial corridor, particularly in the Agbara, Sagamu, and Mowe clusters.

It also marks a critical milestone in addressing the persistent power challenges faced by industries and residents in the region.

In a statement signed by the branch chairman, Olumayowa Idowu, the NSE praised the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Power, under Adelabu’s leadership.

The statement emphasised the importance of ongoing projects under the Presidential Power Initiative and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which include constructing new power transmission substations, upgrading existing ones, and reconductoring weak high-voltage power lines.

These initiatives are crucial for boosting the state’s power transmission capacity, which is vital for the continued growth of Ogun State’s industrial zones.

The NSE Abeokuta Branch also urged the Ogun State government to take the necessary steps to complement these federal initiatives. Specifically, the branch encourages the state government to collaborate closely with gas pipeline operators to enhance the infrastructure that supplies gas to power plants and industries within Ogun State.

According to Idowu, “Ensuring a steady and reliable supply of gas is critical for maximizing the benefits of the upgraded power transmission infrastructure and sustaining industrial productivity.”

As a professional body with extensive expertise in engineering and infrastructure development, the NSE Abeokuta Branch reiterated its commitment to collaborating with both federal and state governments in executing these projects.

The organisation emphasised its readiness to offer professional services and technical expertise to ensure that the projects are completed to the highest standards, delivering sustainable and long-term benefits to the people and industries of Ogun State.

It is imperative to highlight the importance of the local content policy in this context.

The NSE Abeokuta Branch strongly advocates for the involvement of local engineers in implementing these projects, in line with Executive Order 5. By leveraging the Local Content Act, we can ensure that our engineers play a central role in executing these initiatives, fostering local expertise, and contributing to the economic empowerment of our communities.

The statement concluded with the NSE Abeokuta Branch applauding the efforts of JICA, the Ministry of Power, and all stakeholders involved in these transformative projects. Engr. Idowu expressed optimism for continued collaboration to achieve the shared goal of improving power supply and driving economic growth in Ogun State.

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