Delta Govt pushes industrial growth through power expansion initiative – Aniagwu

The Delta State Government on Wednesday said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is deliberately positioning the state for accelerated industrial growth through sustained investment in power generation, leveraging the recent constitutional provision granting states greater control over electricity.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this during a visit by the State Economic Management Team to Sapele Power Plc in Ogorode, Sapele, in Sapele Local Government Area. He said the governor’s strategy is designed to drive industrialisation, attract investors and create employment opportunities in line with his MORE Agenda.

“Energy is the bedrock of industrialisation. When Governor Oborevwori came on board, he recognised that to attract industries and create jobs, we must expand our capacity in power generation and distribution,” Aniagwu said.

He explained that the administration reviewed turbines and equipment previously acquired and stored in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area, which had remained idle for years.

According to him, “Rather than sell them off as scrap for about ₦3 billion, the governor opted for a long-term investment approach aimed at generating sustainable revenue and boosting electricity supply.

“Following feasibility studies conducted in collaboration with the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), the Ministry of Energy, and the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, the state entered into a partnership with Sapele Power Plc to refurbish and integrate the equipment into the plant’s operations.”

Aniagwu revealed that Sapele Power Plc, which already generates over 1,020 megawatts of electricity, is expected to inject an additional 120 megawatts into the national grid upon completion of the refurbishment.

“The new capacity will come from two 60-megawatt Rolls-Royce Trent 60 Generating Turbines being installed at the plant. Instead of taking quick money and forgetting the future, the governor chose to invest for generations yet unborn,” he said.

Continuing, he added: “Today, we are talking about injecting 120 megawatts into the national grid. That is a wise and profitable decision that will benefit Delta State and the country in the long run.” He noted that the initiative is also generating employment and enabling technology transfer, as local engineers and technicians are actively involved in fabrication and installation processes.

Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, described the development as impressive and commended the governor’s commitment to meeting the energy needs of Deltans. Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe, who led the team, said the investment is a calculated move under the new electricity law, disclosing that a committee has been set up to liberalise the electricity market, attract more players in generation, distribution and metering, and ensure affordable power. 

Chairman of DIDA, Chief Lucky Oghene-Omoru, praised the conversion of a dormant asset into a value-generating investment, while Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sapele Power Plc, Mr. Valentine Ashinze, lauded the governor’s foresight and pledged support for the state’s industrialisation agenda.