The Delta State Government has unveiled the “Light Up To Industrialise Delta Initiative” as part of efforts to tackle persistent electricity challenges and drive industrial growth.
Speaking after a strategic meeting at Government House, Asaba, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sunny Ekedayen, said the initiative is a key component of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s plan to reposition the state through stable power supply.
Ekedayen disclosed that the government has engaged Power Acumen Consulting Limited (PACL) to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the state’s electricity sector.
The firm has already conducted fieldwork, engaging stakeholders and identifying critical gaps in infrastructure and policy.
According to him, an interim report has recommended a major overhaul of Delta’s electricity laws and regulatory framework, with plans underway to establish a State Electricity Commission to oversee the sector.
He assured residents that improvements in electricity supply would be noticeable in the near future, noting that the government is committed to maintaining affordable tariffs by leveraging existing energy resources.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy, Michael Anoka, described the initiative as a transformative programme aimed at unlocking Delta’s industrial potential.
He revealed that the state would focus on improving transmission and distribution, rather than generation.
Anoka said the government aims to achieve 24-hour electricity supply in Asaba and Warri within the next 12 months, before extending the project to other parts of the state.
He noted that Delta already has significant unused generation capacity from sources such as Okpai, Ughelli, and Sapele, stressing that efforts are ongoing to optimise distribution through collaboration with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company and other partners.
The state is also considering the development of an independent electricity grid to enhance efficiency and reliability.
Commissioner for Finance, Fidelis Tilije, reaffirmed the government’s readiness to fund the project, emphasizing that adequate financial backing has been secured.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Infrastructure Bank Plc, Erhabor Okogun, expressed confidence in Delta’s capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.
Providing technical insight, Matthew Edevbie of PACL described electricity as critical to economic development, stressing that reliable power is essential for sustainable industrialisation.
He commended the state government’s holistic approach and assured that the consulting firm would ensure proper planning and execution throughout the 12-month rollout period.
The initiative is expected to boost economic activities, attract investments, and create jobs, positioning Delta State as a leading industrial hub in Nigeria.
