By Prof. Abdulrahman Afonja
It’s an honor to speak at the prestigious Prof. Akin Iwayemi Personality Lecture Series, held on Tuesday at Olabamiji Hall, Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, University of Ibadan. This gathering serves as a poignant reminder that while ideas are crucial, it’s action that truly drives meaningful change.
“Let There Be Light” is not just a slogan. In Oyo State, it’s a daily prayer for millions. The real cost of darkness is not just measured in naira or megawatts. It’s measured in students who can’t study after sunset, businesses that never scale because of high generator costs, and mothers forced to deliver babies in candle-lit clinics.
Today, we stand at a turning point. With new constitutional powers, Oyo State can shape its electricity future. But with opportunity comes responsibility. Are we ready to make the hard legal and policy choices to bring reliable, affordable power to our people?
As someone who has spent years working at the intersection of policy, industry, and research, I know the challenges are real. But I also know Oyo is full of innovators and problem-solvers. Our job today is to move beyond complaints towards solutions rooted in evidence, tailored to local realities, and focused on real impact.
Let’s be bold. Let’s be honest. And let’s make this the last generation that lives in the shadow of darkness.
Thank you for the opportunity. As a policymaker and an ex-Commissioner in Oyo State, I see daily how electricity—or the lack of it—touches every part of our society. We now have the constitutional backing to shape our destiny, and the challenge is to craft ambitious, practical, and locally relevant laws and policies.
My focus is on creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, protects consumers, and ensures that no urban or rural community is left behind.
For decades, the phrase “let there be light” has been more hope than reality across Nigeria. In Oyo State, the cost of darkness is not just an abstraction—it is the high price paid by students who cannot read after sunset, businesses running on expensive generators, and families forced to live without basic comforts. However, for the first time in a generation, Oyo stands at a crossroads: empowered with new constitutional authority to shape its electricity future, the state can choose a path of bold reform or risk repeating past failures. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated.
As someone who has worked at the intersection of policy and industry in Oyo State, I see the challenges and the opportunities firsthand. Our questions are urgent, and the answers will determine whether Oyo emerges as a model for the entire country or remains stuck in the shadows. The potential for Oyo to lead the way in this crucial reform is immense, and it is up to us to seize this opportunity.
The First Three Laws Oyo State Needs Now
The first order of business must be passing an Electricity Market Liberalization Law. This law will establish clear, transparent rules that make it easier for independent power producers and mini-grid operators to enter the market, compete fairly, and drive innovation. It will especially benefit communities left behind by bringing in more players and fostering competition, ultimately leading to improved service and lower costs.
Next, a Cost-Reflective Tariff and Targeted Subsidy Policy is essential. The system has been broken for too long: everyone pays too little and gets too little in return. We need tariffs that reflect the actual supply cost, with targeted support for the most vulnerable, so that no one is left in the dark.
Finally, Oyo should enact a Rural Electrification and Off-Grid Promotion Policy. This means dedicating funds and streamlining approvals for solar and mini-grid projects, ensuring that even the most remote villages can access reliable power.
Grid Fix or Off-Grid Leapfrog? The Right Answer for Oyo
There is a temptation to view the electricity challenge as a choice between fixing the existing grid or moving straight to renewables.
The truth is, Oyo needs both. However, if we are serious about rapid progress, off-grid renewables—such as solar home systems and mini-grids—are the real game changers. This strategy, often called ‘off-grid leapfrog’, involves bypassing the traditional grid and directly adopting renewable energy solutions. These solutions can be deployed faster, tailored to local needs, and owned by the communities. While urban centers and industry will still need a stronger grid, leapfrogging with off-grid renewables brings light to people who have waited too long.
Bridging the Last Mile: State and Local Collaboration
No electricity reform will succeed unless local governments are fully onboard. They are closest to the people, understand the unique challenges of each community, and can help ensure projects match real needs. The state should involve local leaders in planning, invest in their capacity to maintain new systems, and utilize their networks to gather accurate data. This partnership is the only way to reach the last mile.
Local governments will play a crucial role in identifying their communities’ specific needs, ensuring the successful implementation of the reform.
What is Holding Back Investment?
Investors want to bring capital and innovation to Oyo but need certainty. The primary barriers are regulatory uncertainty, slow approvals, and concerns about cost recovery. Investment will follow if we can create a stable and predictable business environment with quick licensing, clear land rights, and enforceable contracts. It is our collective responsibility to ensure such an environment is in place.
Becoming a Model for Nigeria
Oyo State has the chance to set the pace for electricity reform in Nigeria. We can do this by passing bold laws that welcome grid and off-grid players, building a transparent and accountable regulatory system, and launching real projects in cities and villages. The key is to put results ahead of rhetoric, share what works and what does not, and keep the focus on the people who need electricity the most.
This is our moment to step out of the shadows and light the way for the rest of the country. The journey will not be easy, but if we act with urgency and courage, Oyo State can become the beacon others look to for inspiration.
Prof. Abdulrahman Afonja
