Delta State unveils roadmap to unlock 3,000MW potential
Delta State Unveils Plan to Boost Electricity Sector, Attract Investment
By Babajide Komolafe, Economy Editor, and Egufe Yafugborhi, Ochuko Akuopha
ASABA — Delta State officials announced a new roadmap aimed at unlocking nearly 3,000 megawatts of installed electricity generation capacity during the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit. The initiative includes the establishment of both a Delta State Electricity Regulatory Commission and a Delta State Rural Electrification Agency.
Mrs. Uche Okafor, a consultant on electricity market development for the Delta State Government, emphasized that the state’s Electricity Sector Law lays a critical legal groundwork for attracting private investment.
“These discussions require a regulatory platform,” Okafor stated. “The Electricity Sector Law will facilitate the development of an electricity market that benefits industries, investors, and consumers alike. Following this summit, one of our immediate priorities is to create the Delta State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Delta State Rural Electrification Agency. These entities will ensure that investors receive fair returns while protecting consumers from exploitation.”
Okafor added that the government has been prepared for this move since 2024 when the Electricity Sector Law was enacted. “We are now ready to establish the institutions needed to stimulate investment across the electricity value chain,” she said.
During the summit, Mr. Peter Ikenga, Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Power Ughelli, remarked on Delta State’s potential to become Nigeria’s energy hub due to its significant natural resources.
“Delta State is uniquely positioned with vast gas reserves and almost 3,000 megawatts of installed generation capacity,” Ikenga said. “To realize this potential, continuous investment in gas feedstock, expansion of transmission infrastructure, and enhancement of distribution networks are crucial. Transcorp is eager to partner with the Delta State Government across the entire energy production landscape.”
Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, representing Manitoba Power, highlighted a key issue facing the region. “Electricity generation is not the primary challenge anymore,” he noted. “Despite having over 3,000 megawatts of installed capacity, there are still significant distribution bottlenecks causing stranded power. With the legal framework already established, we are prepared to invest aggressively to address these issues and enhance electricity supply for businesses and households.”
Mr. Sumeet Singh from PowerGas Nigeria shared insights on gas’s role in industrial sustainability. “For the last decade, we have operated a CNG mother station in Delta, ensuring that over 20 factories in the state maintain electricity generation without disruptions from grid failures. Our gas supply has remained stable even amid global energy fluctuations,” Singh said.
Engineer Tari Mayo Bright, speaking on behalf of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, announced ongoing discussions with the Delta State Government. “The Governor has made it clear that we should begin implementing our plans immediately. While Delta faces no gas supply issues, it does have integration challenges. We aim to develop Green Hubs, conversion centers, training institutes, and refueling infrastructures to lower transportation costs and promote cleaner energy use.”
Mr. Daniel Muller, Executive Director of the Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company (InfraCredit), reassured investors regarding long-term financing options. “Nigeria’s pension industry holds over N31 trillion in assets,” Muller stated. “These resources are available for credible infrastructure projects, including those focused on gas, power distribution, and industrial energy developments.”
