By Osaro Okhomina
In the emerging capital of Ijaw Nation and the increasingly bustling metropolis of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa commercial capital, a revolution is brewing in the power sector.
The Bayelsa State Government, through its Light Up Bayelsa Electrification Strategy and Action Plan, a brainchild of the Assured Prosperity administration of Governor Douye Diri, is poised to transform the city’s power landscape, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the populace.
Ordinarily, the State during the era of the sage, Melford Okio, had a similar strategy, but due to the expanding population, growth and the increasing commercial capacity, the turbine became a monument rather than for power generation.
Instead, the State became dependent on skeletal power distribution from the national grid with poor power generation and distribution to homes in the Yenagoa capital.
Unspecified data showed that what comes to Yenagoa from the National grid is estimated less than 5 MW of electricity. It left in its wake, a disgruntled citizenry and angry government.
In the height of the dissatisfaction, were series of vandalism of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) owned towers along the Owerri-Ahoada 132kV Double Circuit line which cut off power supply to Bayelsa State and parts of Rivers State.
Yenagoa and adjourning towns were thrown into the dark for days untill the State Government rendered support to the TCN and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) for repairs.
Summing up the frustration of the people of the State, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in one of the meetings with management of the TCN, emphasized that the problem of public power supply had become a major issue in the state in recent times.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo expressed concern that although only about 30 percent of Bayelsa is currently covered by the National Grid, the state had never enjoyed stable power supply even before the present damage of TCN assets caused by vandals occurred.
As a responsive and responsible Government, the Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri, immediately cashed in on the review of laws bothering on power generation and distribution by states to move the need for State owned Electricity Company.
The State Government,according to the office of the State Deputy Governor, is partnering some Chinese investors to site a power plant by the existing gas turbine belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) at Elebele that would generate about 60,000 Megawatts.
It was disclosed that efforts were underway to refurbish the state-owned Imiringi gas turbine in Ogbia Local Government Area to ensure stable power supply in the state.
According to the statement, subsequent governments will provide a third power plant to generate and distribute electricity to Nembe, Brass and Southern Ijaw local government areas in line with the Senator Douye Diri-led administration’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda in the power sector.
While many, particularly those doubting Thomases, were wondering what the assured prosperity was doing, the State House of Assembly passes the Bayelsa Electricity Bill 2023 into law. And it was signed by Gov. Douye Diri.
With the signing of this act into law, Bayelsa now has the constitutional backing to generate, distribute and commercialize power to its citizens and environs.
In his remarks, Governor Diri stressed that Bayelsa as a Gas hub has the raw materials of a power producing state, as he called on investors to make use of the opportunity.
On his part, the managing Director of the state electricity board, Engr Olice Kemenanabo, assured that the board would ensure that the power distribution and generation process is seamless.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has also transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Bayelsa State to the State Electricity Regulatory Agency in line with the 1999 constitution as amended and the electricity Act 2023
NERC directs Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc to incorporate a subsidiary that will assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Bayelsa State.
The process of incorporation of a sub-company by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company is to be completed within sixty days from 21st August 2025.
NERC says all transfers by this order shall be completed by 20th February 2026. NERC still retains the role as a central regulator with oversight on inter-state and international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations of electricity.
The state Government immediately started the 60 mega watts off-grid solutions which means the Bayelsa Electricity Market plan could potentially double the size of the state’s economy.
To change the narrative, the Bayelsa State Gas Turbine, when fully operational hold immense promises.
By harnessing a combination of off-grid solutions, it aims to double the size of Bayelsa economy and provide reliable, affordable electricity to millions of residents.
At the heart of the plan lies a bold vision: to achieve 60 megawatts electricity. This is an ambitious target, if realized, would not only reduce reliance on expensive diesel generators but also usher in a new era of clean energy.
Already, thousands of residents of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital including members of the opposition political parties were thrown into jubilation recently following the arrival of the Gas Turbines procured by the state government.
The turbines, which arrived in about 25 trailers with other accessories including transformers, are part of the components for the construction of the state independent power plant located at Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area to provide a more reliable electricity supply, industrial growth, and improved livelihood across the state.
Two residents of the state, Mr. Israel Akpos and Mr. Inemo Egberi, said they were at the location to personally confirm the arrival and see the progress of the project.
Also, two chieftains of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli and Barr. Festus Damuebi thanked Gov Diri on his vision for Bayelsa’s development including the arrival of the gas turbines and other electrical components for installations.
They said in separate statements that Governor Diri, has done well and that this is irrespective of being in the opposition.
HRH (Hon.) Sunny-Goli, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives and Amadabo of Kemmer-Ama, reaffirmed his confidence in the Assured prosperity agenda with the Governor giving a people-centred leadership insisting that he has clearly distinguished himself in office and as an outstanding leader in the history of Bayelsa State.
“The arrival of brand-new gas turbines is a testament to Governor Diri’s visionary and pragmatic leadership. This development is poised to be a game-changer for the state, as the installation and operation of the turbines will mark a paradigm shift in how businesses operate—especially given the critical role of power supply in economic productivity.”
“This initiative will not only boost economic activities by turning the state into a haven for investors, but it will also enhance overall security.
“I have no regrets whatsoever about supporting Governor Diri’s re-election. If for nothing else, he has consistently shown that he has the people at heart. I firmly believe that governance is about improving lives, and that is exactly what the governor is doing through the plethora of landmark projects in the state,” Sunny-Goli stated.
Osaro Okhomina is a practicing Journalist based in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
