The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to make renewable energy a driver of industrial growth, rural development, and inclusive prosperity across the state.
Speaking at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) State-by-State Roundtable Engagement with Delta State held in Abuja, the Governor said the forum’s theme: I'm“Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, perfectly aligns with the Delta State Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027) and his administration’s MORE Agenda.
According to him, reliable electricity remains “a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in underserved communities.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted Delta’s efforts to key into national energy programs such as the Nigeria Electrification Project, Energizing Education Programme, Energizing Economies Initiative, and the Rural Electrification Fund.
He stressed that renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass are no longer alternatives but vital tools for:
* Expanding rural electrification
* Supporting enterprise development
* Driving industrialization
* Transforming local communities
To this end, he disclosed that Delta has already developed a Decentralized Energy Plan to provide embedded renewable power to major state assets including the Government House, State Secretariat Complex, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Airport, and the four state-owned universities. Plans are also in place to extend access to rural communities and educational institutions.
"As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable, Delta State sees renewable energy as the future,” Oborevwori said. “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.”
He assured prospective investors of a transparent, business-friendly environment with guaranteed returns, noting the growing demand for off-grid and mini-grid solutions in schools, hospitals, SMEs, and rural communities.
The Managing Director/CEO of REA, Abba Aliyu, lauded Delta State for domesticating the Electricity Act 2023, establishing a state regulatory commission, and strengthening rural electrification structures.
According to him, these initiatives place Delta ahead of most states and position it to take charge of its own energy future.
Aliyu revealed that REA has $1.16 billion set aside to catalyze renewable energy projects nationwide. However, he emphasized that success depends on effective partnerships with states and private investors.
He also disclosed that a global investor is already considering a $53 billion, 600MW solar panel assembly plant, urging Governor Oborevwori to persuade the company to choose Delta as its base.
Quoting findings from a nationwide assessment conducted with McKinsey, Aliyu noted that about 119 million Nigerians still lack adequate electricity access, with over 22 million households awaiting connections. For many rural areas, solar home systems and mini-grids remain the most practical solutions and Delta, with its vast unserved communities, is well-positioned for large-scale deployment.
In her presentation, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Hon. Engr. Doris Uboh, projected that bridging Delta’s electricity gaps could unlock over 31,200 jobs and attract $158 million in private-sector investments through mini-grid projects.
She revealed that: Ndokwa East has 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 LGA in the state.
Uboh urged investors to seize these opportunities, stressing that renewable energy would not only power homes and businesses but also transform Delta into a hub for green energy in Nigeria.
Earlier, Dr. Barry Gbe, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, welcomed participants and described the engagement as a platform to shape Delta’s transition to sustainable energy.
The high-level dialogue was capped with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the REA, Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), and the Delta State Government, a landmark step toward accelerating renewable energy investments in the state.
With these bold moves, Delta State under Governor Oborevwori is not only preparing for the energy future but is also positioning itself as a front-runner in renewable energy adoption in Nigeria.
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