Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving stable and reliable electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships with reputable energy experts.
Gov. Oborevwori, who was speaking at a meeting with the management of Power Acumen Consulting Limited (PACL), Detail Solicitors and Nigeria Infrastructure Bank (NIB) at the Government House, Asaba, identified power distribution, not generation, as the major challenge hindering progress in the energy sector of the nation.
He said his administration is intensifying efforts to address longstanding gaps in electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and targeted infrastructure development.
According to him, while the state has recorded progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, sustainable power supply remains critical to unlocking broader economic growth and development.
He said a joint technical team comprising representatives of the state and PACL will be established, adding that the team would be tasked with the responsibility of developing a clear roadmap and actionable framework for a 24/7 power supply in the state.
“We do not want to act blindly. We need a well-structured plan that will guide our decisions and ensure long-term success,” he added, pointing out that his administration has strengthened institutional capacity.
While acknowledging that the journey to achieving uninterrupted power supply may be long, the governor expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and partnerships would deliver tangible improvements sooner than expected.
Gov. Oborevwori disclosed that some communities that had experienced blackout for over a decade have recently been reconnected to the national grid, adding that ongoing projects in the sector are targeted at extending electricity infrastructure to key economic corridors across the state.
Despite these efforts, the governor reiterated that the real issue lies in distribution, saying “we have the capacity to generate significant megawatts of power daily, but getting that power efficiently distributed to homes and businesses remains the major hurdle.”
To tackle this challenge, he said, the state has enacted an Electricity Law aimed at strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for power sector reforms, adding that consultants have also, been engaged to review existing policies and recommend practical solutions, with a comprehensive report expected soon.
The governor underscored the importance of collaboration with credible partners, noting that technical expertise is essential to complement the government’s financial and institutional capacity.
He further emphasized the need for community involvement, urging traditional rulers, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to support government efforts by promoting responsible electricity usage and safeguarding infrastructure.
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Earlier, the Managing Director of Power Acumen Consulting Limited, Matthew Edevbie said Delta State which has an installed electricity generation capacity of about 3,000 megawatts, with major contributions from areas such as Okpai, Ughelli and Sapele, shockingly, benefits from less than 200 megawatts.
Edevbie said the flagship vision of “Light Up and Industrialize Delta State Initiative” was not just a power project but an integrated development strategy, saying “electricity is the foundation.
While saying Delta State must develop its own power grid, he said that the state was not lacking in power generation capacity; what the state needs is control over transmission and distribution within its territory.
Engr. Edevbie assured that with proper coordination, partnerships, and regulatory alignment, the state can achieve 24 hours electricity supply in Warri and Asaba before the end of the year.
