Oborevwori Identifies Electricity Distribution As Delta’s Biggest Power Challenge
By BLESSING AGWE ODUGO
Power Distribution Crisis: Oborevwori Promises Action as Delta Moves to Regulate Electricity Market
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori has assured Deltans that his administration is pursuing measures to address persistent electricity shortages, identifying distribution problems as a major cause of unreliable power supply.
According to the governor, Delta State already has the necessary electricity law. Nevertheless, the government is still searching for a competent professional to manage the proposed state electricity regulatory commission.
He made this disclosure on Tuesday 4 November 2026, at Isoko House, Oleh, during a reception held in honour of himself and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.
Addressing complaints about frequent blackouts, especially in Isoko communities, Oborevwori said the state had power but needed to overcome the difficulties affecting its distribution.
“Delta State has power. It’s distribution. We are making all arrangements. We have a law already. We are looking for a competent hand to be in that commission,” he declared.
The governor’s remarks come as residents and businesses continue to complain about prolonged electricity outages across the state. In particular, communities served by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company have repeatedly demanded a more dependable supply.
To address the wider challenge, the state government has been pursuing plans to establish its own electricity regulatory commission and develop a state electricity market. It also intends to encourage investments in alternative power generation and supply.
Oborevwori further revealed that vandals had damaged the electricity line linking Ughelli and Ozoro. In response, he said the government had ordered repairs to provide temporary relief while it worked on broader solutions.
“For our people not to suffer, they vandalised the line from Ughelli to Ozoro here. And I said, for the meantime, that should be fixed, which is ongoing. I don’t know whether it has been completed,” the governor said.
Although the repair work was ongoing at the time of his remarks, he could not confirm whether it had been completed. He expressed confidence in the person handling the intervention and prayed for its successful conclusion.
Oborevwori also reiterated his administration’s determination to achieve stable electricity supply across Delta. However, he did not give a definite timetable for that objective.
The announcement builds on earlier government interventions in Isoko. In June 2026, the state disclosed plans to improve electricity infrastructure serving the communities, including rehabilitation of the Emevor–Ozoro line.
Additionally, the government identified the abandoned Ozoro 132KV substation as an important facility that required attention. The proposed rehabilitation formed part of wider efforts to improve electricity access in the area.
Nevertheless, the latest assurances leave important questions unanswered. The governor did not specify when the regulatory commission would begin operations or when residents could expect a sustained improvement in electricity supply.
For communities and businesses that have endured repeated blackouts, the effectiveness and speed of these regulatory and infrastructure measures will ultimately determine whether the promised improvements translate into reliable electricity.
