The Oyan River Dam is one of the most significant water infrastructure projects in Ogun State, located in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, about 20 kilometres north-west of Abeokuta, the state capital. Set within Yorùbáland’s rolling terrain and natural landscape, the dam stands as both an engineering achievement and a reminder of the social and environmental costs of large-scale development.
Constructed across the Oyan River, a major tributary of the Ogun River, the dam was commissioned on 29 March 1983 by Nigeria’s then President, Shehu Shagari. It is managed and operated by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).
The primary purpose of the Oyan River Dam is to supply raw water to Lagos and Abeokuta, supporting domestic, industrial, and municipal water needs in southwestern Nigeria.
Beyond urban water supply, the dam was designed with broader developmental potential. It can support irrigation for large-scale and dry-season farming, making it critical for agricultural productivity in the South-West. The reservoir also holds capacity for hydropower generation, although this potential has remained largely underutilised.
The construction of the dam came with profound human consequences. Twenty-two villages were submerged during the project, and affected communities were relocated to three resettlement camps, an episode that continues to shape discussions around displacement, compensation, and development planning in Nigeria.
Today, the Oyan River Dam is also recognised for its scenic value. The reservoir features islands, fishing spots, and relatively untouched surroundings, making it a potential eco-tourism site if sustainably developed.
The Oyan River Dam remains a critical yet under-maximised asset—central to water security, agricultural expansion, and regional development in Ogun State and beyond.
Photo Credit: Solasly
Sources:
Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA)
Federal Government of Nigeria, Water Resources project records
Ogun State Government historical infrastructure archives
Post a Comment