Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving a stable and reliable electricity supply across the state through strategic partnerships with energy experts and infrastructure investors.
The governor made this known on Wednesday during a high-level meeting with the management teams of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd (PACL), Detail Solicitors, and Nigeria Infrastructure Bank (NIB) at Government House in Asaba.
During the meeting, Oborevwori identified electricity distribution—not generation—as the major challenge hindering progress in Nigeria’s power sector.
The governor explained that his administration is intensifying efforts to close long-standing electricity supply gaps through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships under the Light Up and Industrialise Delta State Initiative.
According to him, while the state has recorded measurable progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, stable electricity remains the critical factor needed to unlock large-scale economic growth and industrial development.
Oborevwori commended the presentation made by Power Acumen Consulting Ltd, describing it as “brilliant and insightful,” and said the engagement reflects the state government’s determination to work with credible partners capable of delivering tangible results.
He announced that a joint technical team comprising representatives of the Delta State government and PACL would be established to develop a clear roadmap for achieving round-the-clock electricity supply.
We do not want to act blindly, the governor said. We need a well-structured plan that will guide our decisions and ensure long-term success.
Despite Nigeria’s significant power generation capacity, Oborevwori stressed that distribution remains the sector’s most persistent challenge.
He noted that although Delta State contributes significantly to the national electricity grid, much of that power fails to reach homes and businesses due to inefficiencies within the distribution system.
The real issue lies in distribution. We have the capacity to generate significant megawatts daily but getting that power efficiently distributed to consumers remains the major hurdle,” he said.
To address this challenge, the state government has enacted an Electricity Law designed to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for energy sector reforms.
The governor also revealed that consultants have been engaged to review existing power policies and propose practical solutions for improving electricity access across the state.
Oborevwori disclosed that several communities that had experienced power outages for more than a decade have recently been reconnected to the national grid.
He added that ongoing electricity projects are focused on extending power infrastructure to key economic corridors and industrial areas within the state.
While acknowledging that achieving uninterrupted electricity supply will take time, the governor expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and partnerships will deliver visible improvements in the near future.
The journey toward stable electricity supply is not automatic. It requires deliberate planning, sound policies, and consistent execution, he said.
Earlier in his presentation, Managing Director of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd, Matthew Edevbie, highlighted the paradox within Delta’s power sector.
According to him, the state currently has an installed electricity generation capacity of about 3,000 megawatts, largely produced in major power-producing areas such as Okpai, Ughelli, and Sapele.
However, despite this substantial capacity, the state reportedly receives less than 200 megawatts for local consumption.
Edevbie explained that the Light Up and Industrialize Delta State Initiative represents more than a power project, describing it as a comprehensive economic development strategy. Electricity is the foundation, he said.
Edevbie emphasized that Delta State must develop its own power transmission and distribution infrastructure in order to fully harness its electricity potential.
According to him, the state is not lacking in generation capacity but needs greater control over transmission and distribution networks within its territory.
By building our own grid, we can harness existing power, distribute it efficiently, and ensure reliability, he explained.
He noted that recent regulatory reforms now allow Nigerian states to establish independent electricity transmission systems.
This policy shift means that Delta State could build and operate its own grid while recovering investment costs over time, transforming electricity infrastructure into a long-term economic asset.
Edevbie expressed optimism that with effective coordination, regulatory alignment, and private-sector collaboration, Delta State could achieve uninterrupted electricity supply in key cities such as Warri and Asaba before the end of the year.
If successful, the initiative could significantly boost industrial activity, attract investment, and strengthen Delta’s position as one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
