With Nigeria’s evolving constitutional framework granting states greater authority over electricity generation and distribution, a new window of opportunity has opened for subnational governments willing to think boldly. In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not merely observing this shift, he is acting decisively on it. Energy expansion has become a central pillar of his industrialisation agenda, anchored on a clear understanding that no economy can thrive in darkness.
For decades, unreliable power supply has constrained Nigeria’s productive capacity, discouraged investors, and stunted industrial growth. Delta State, despite being one of the nation’s economic powerhouses, has not been immune to these limitations. The Oborevwori administration, however, sees energy not as a recurring complaint but as a strategic lever for transformation.
Reviving Dormant Assets, Reclaiming Lost Value
At the heart of this bold initiative lies a decision that reflects both prudence and foresight. For years, valuable turbines and associated equipment lay idle in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area, assets that could easily have been disposed of as scrap for an estimated ₦3 billion.
Rather than opting for short-term liquidation, the state government chose long-term value creation. Through a strategic partnership with Sapele Power Plc, these dormant assets are being refurbished and integrated into the plant’s operational framework. What could have become industrial waste is now being repositioned as productive infrastructure.
This decision signals a shift in governance philosophy, from asset disposal to asset optimisation.
Expanding Capacity, Strengthening the Grid
Sapele Power Plc already generates over 1,020 megawatts. With the installation of two Rolls-Royce Trent 60 Generating Turbines, Delta State will contribute an additional 120 megawatts to the national grid. Beyond the numbers, this expansion represents a concrete step toward energy security and economic competitiveness.
Reliable electricity is the oxygen of industry. It powers manufacturing lines, cold chains, technology hubs, small businesses, and industrial parks. By increasing generation capacity, the state is not only supporting the national grid but also positioning itself as an attractive destination for investors seeking stability and predictability in energy supply.
The choice to prioritise sustainable energy output over immediate financial gain underscores a long-term development strategy. It is a recognition that consistent power generation will yield recurring economic dividends far exceeding the one-off proceeds of asset sales.
Jobs, Skills, and Local Economic Multipliers
The impact of this initiative extends beyond megawatts. Local engineers and technicians are actively involved in fabrication, installation, and technical processes associated with the refurbishment. This ensures not only job creation but also critical skills transfer.
Energy projects of this scale generate multiplier effects: contractors, suppliers, transporters, and service providers benefit from the expanded economic activity. Over time, the improved power landscape will reduce operating costs for businesses, encourage factory expansion, and stimulate new investments across sectors.
Industrialisation is not an abstract ambition; it is built on infrastructure. And infrastructure, in turn, depends on energy.
Liberalising the Electricity Market
Beyond generation capacity, the Oborevwori administration is laying the groundwork for structural reform. A committee, working alongside technical consultants, has been constituted to liberalise the state’s electricity market. The objective is clear: attract more players across generation, distribution, and metering while ensuring affordability for residents and businesses.
This integrated approach reflects strategic governance. Infrastructure expansion is being paired with regulatory reform and investment promotion. By creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, Delta State is aligning itself with global best practices in power sector development.
Positioning Delta as an Industrial Hub
Delta State already ranks among Nigeria’s largest economies, with a diversified base spanning oil and gas, agriculture, services, and manufacturing. Energy expansion now strengthens that foundation. By deliberately aligning electricity reform with industrial policy, the state is positioning itself as a hub for sustainable industrial growth in the Niger Delta and beyond.
What distinguishes this initiative is not merely the addition of 120 megawatts. It is the philosophy behind it, the deliberate conversion of dormant assets into engines of progress, the preference for long-term economic returns over short-term windfalls, and the recognition that energy reform is central to prosperity.
In an era where many states are still grappling with the implications of constitutional reform, Delta State is already operationalising it. The turbines in Oghareki are no longer relics of deferred ambition; they are becoming symbols of renewed purpose.
If sustained and properly executed, this energy-driven strategy could mark a defining chapter in Delta’s journey toward a prosperous, industrialised future, one powered not just by megawatts, but by vision.
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