The Delta State government has been acknowledged as being ahead of most states in the country in keying into the Electrification Act 2023, by creating a state regulatory commission, and strengthening rural electrification structures. The government was also commended for its forward-looking electrification strategy anchored on distributed renewable energy, mini-grids, and private sector investment.
These efforts, according to the Managing Director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, positioned the state to take charge of its own energy future.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) State-by-State Roundtable Engagement with Delta State, held in Abuja, Aliyu disclosed that the REA currently has $1.16 billion earmarked to catalyse renewable energy infrastructure across the country, noting that the funds were available but required strong partnerships with state governments and private investors.
He urged the Governor to encourage investors to bring such projects to Delta, pointing out that the decision ultimately lies with the private sector. He cited an investor already considering a $53 billion investment in a 600MW solar panel assembly plant, stressing the need to convince him to site it in Delta.
The REA boss also referenced a nationwide assessment conducted with McKinsey, which revealed that about 119 million Nigerians still needed improved electricity access, with over 22 million households requiring connections.
Explaining that the most cost-efficient solutions involved solar home systems and mini grids, especially for sparsely populated communities where extending the national grid would be uneconomical, Aliyu noted that Delta has a significant number of such communities and is therefore well suited for renewable energy deployment.
In his address, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to harness renewable energy solutions as a catalyst for industrial growth, rural development, and inclusive economic opportunities across the state.
He said the engagement’s theme, “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State,” aligned with the state’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027) and the MORE Agenda.
Positing that reliable electricity remained “a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in underserved communities”, the Governor noted that Delta is strategically positioning itself to leverage national energy programmes such as the Nigeria Electrification Project, Energising Education Programme, Energising Economies Initiative, and the Rural Electrification Fund.
He emphasised that renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass were no longer underdeveloped options but “powerful tools for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.”
Highlighting Delta’s initiatives, Oborevwori disclosed that the state has developed a Decentralised Energy Plan to power key government institutions including the Government House, the new State Secretariat Complex, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Airport, and state-owned universities through embedded renewable energy systems.
He also said plans were underway to extend electricity access to rural communities and educational institutions, reinforcing the state’s investments in public education, where four state-owned universities currently serve as centres of excellence.
Governor Oborevwori assured prospective investors of a friendly business environment and sustainable returns, noting that the demand for off-grid and mini-grid renewable solutions in rural areas, schools, hospitals, and small enterprises is “massive and growing.”
He pledged transparency, accountability, and effective collaboration with stakeholders, including the World Bank, REA, renewable energy service companies, and private investors.
Oborevwori said: “As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable, Delta State sees renewable energy as the future.
“We are committed to scaling up renewable sources to mitigate climate change, stimulate local industries, and create jobs. This is a win-win situation where investors make profit while Delta gets powered.”
Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Uboh, an engineer, in her presentation, revealed that bridging electricity gaps across Delta State could unlock over 31,200 jobs and attract investments worth $158 million through private sector-led mini-grid projects.
Presenting detailed electrification data, Uboh noted that Ndokwa East tops the list of LGAs with the highest number of unserved residents, followed by Burutu, Ughelli South, Oshimili North, and Warri South West, while Ika South ranks as the most electrified.
Uboh urged investors to seize the opportunity, emphasising that sustainable electrification would not only power households and businesses but also boost economic growth and position Delta as a renewable energy hub.
Earlier, Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Oborevwori, Dr. Barry Gbe, welcomed participants, describing the roundtable as a platform to foster collaboration and shape Delta’s transition to a sustainable energy system.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between REA, RESCOs, and the Delta State Government on renewable energy investments.