Oborevwori Targets 24-Hour Power Supply, Eyes Strategic Energy Partnerships
A Renewed Push for Stable Electricity
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering stable and reliable electricity supply across Delta State, with a strong focus on strategic partnerships and policy reforms.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at Government House, Asaba, with officials of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd (PACL), Detail Solicitors, and the Nigeria Infrastructure Bank (NIB), the governor emphasized that achieving 24-hour electricity remains central to the state’s economic transformation agenda.
Distribution Identified as Major Bottleneck
Oborevwori pointed out that the primary challenge facing Nigeria’s power sector is not generation but distribution. According to him, despite significant generation capacity, inefficiencies in transmitting and distributing electricity to end users continue to hinder progress.
“We have the capacity to generate substantial megawatts daily, but delivering that power efficiently to homes and businesses is where the real challenge lies,” he stated.
“Light Up Delta” Initiative Gains Momentum
The governor highlighted his administration’s “Light Up To Industrialize Delta State Initiative” as a key framework for addressing electricity challenges. He explained that the initiative combines infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and partnerships with technical experts.
While noting achievements in sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Oborevwori stressed that reliable electricity is critical to unlocking broader economic growth and industrialisation.
Technical Team to Develop Power Roadmap
To translate plans into action, the governor announced the formation of a joint technical team comprising representatives of the state government and PACL. The team will be responsible for developing a comprehensive roadmap and actionable framework for achieving round-the-clock electricity supply.
“We do not want to act blindly. We need a structured plan that ensures long-term success,” he said, adding that experienced professionals have already been appointed to strengthen institutional capacity in the energy sector.
Policy Reforms and Expanding Access
Oborevwori disclosed that the state has enacted an Electricity Law aimed at strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for power sector reforms. Consultants, he added, are currently reviewing existing policies to recommend practical solutions.
He also revealed that communities that had suffered power outages for over a decade have recently been reconnected to the national grid, while ongoing projects are expanding electricity infrastructure to key economic corridors.
Private Sector Role and Community Support
The governor underscored the importance of working with credible partners, noting that technical expertise is essential to complement government efforts.
“We are not just interested in presentations; we want measurable results,” he said.
He further called on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders to support the initiative by safeguarding infrastructure and promoting responsible electricity usage.
Experts Highlight Untapped Potential
Earlier, Managing Director of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd, Matthew Edevbie, revealed that Delta State has an installed generation capacity of about 3,000 megawatts but currently utilizes less than 200 megawatts.
He attributed this gap to limitations in transmission and distribution, advocating for the development of a state-controlled power grid to improve efficiency and reliability.
Path to 24-Hour Power Supply
Edevbie expressed optimism that with proper coordination, regulatory alignment, and strategic partnerships, Delta State could achieve uninterrupted electricity supply in key cities like Warri and Asaba within a short timeframe.
Governor Oborevwori echoed this optimism, noting that while the journey may be gradual, deliberate planning and consistent execution will deliver tangible improvements.
