Billionaire industrialist Dr. Deji Adeleke, father of Afrobeats sensation Davido, has again raised alarm over his privately funded 1,250‑megawatt gas‑fired power plant in Ondo State sitting idle—despite stark nationwide electricity deficits.
During the Adeleke University’s 11th convocation, he disclosed that his Ajebamidele-based power facility is fully built and capable of significantly easing Nigeria’s chronic power shortage. However, the plant remains unconnected to the national gas grid due to bureaucratic and infrastructural delays.
“The power plant is ready but not operational yet,” Adeleke lamented, pointing out that the idle facility could generate 1,250 megawatts—roughly a quarter of Nigeria’s current capacity of 4,000–5,000 MW .
He also emphasized the facility’s potential economic impact, projecting it could employ over 2,000 engineers and technical personnel, while providing stable power to industries in the South-West and beyond .
Adeleke also criticized policy-driven investment roadblocks, stating that he only managed to erect the complex due to personal influence—illustrating that private sector efforts are being hindered by institutional failings and red tape .
Adeleke lamented that his power plant, built with both foreign and local investments, has been met with silence by successive governments, even though it is fully equipped and ready to serve. He warned that the negligence is a massive disservice to Nigerians who continue to suffer under persistent blackouts, skyrocketing electricity tariffs, and low generation output.
He also emphasized the opportunity cost of inaction, stating that thousands of jobs and broader economic benefits are being forfeited due to delays in operational approval. Adeleke insisted that the project is not just a business investment but a national service meant to boost industrial productivity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on erratic power sources.
His comments come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with worsening power outages, despite recent hikes in electricity tariffs. The nation’s grid continues to struggle with reliability, and many independent power initiatives face similar neglect. .
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