Recently, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori attended the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) State-by-State Roundtable Engagement with the State, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to deepen the conversation on renewable energy and mitigate the challenges of electricity supply, with a view to expanding business opportunities in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to harness renewable energy solutions as a catalyst for industrial growth, rural development, and inclusive economic opportunities across the state. He disclosed that the engagement’s theme, “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State,” aligns with the state’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027) and the MORE Agenda.
While saying that reliable electricity remains a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of the people, particularly in underserved communities, the Governor noted that Delta is strategically positioning itself to leverage national energy programmes such as the Nigeria Electrification Project, Energising Education Programme, Energising Economies Initiative, and the Rural Electrification Fund.
He emphasised that renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, are no longer underdeveloped options but “powerful tools for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.”
Highlighting Delta’s initiatives, Oborevwori disclosed that the state has developed a Decentralised Energy Plan to power key government institutions, including the Government House, new State Secretariat Complex, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Airport, and state-owned universities through embedded renewable energy systems.
He added that plans are also underway to extend electricity access to rural communities and educational institutions, reinforcing the state’s investments in public education, where four state-owned universities currently serve as centres of excellence.
Oborevwori assured prospective investors of a friendly business environment and sustainable returns, noting that the demand for off-grid and mini-grid renewable solutions in rural areas, schools, hospitals, and small enterprises is “massive and growing.”
He pledged transparency, accountability, and effective collaboration with stakeholders, including the World Bank, REA, renewable energy service companies, and private investors, saying, “as fossil fuels become increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable, Delta State sees renewable energy as the future.
“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 a profit while Delta gets powered.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, commended Delta State for its forward-looking electrification strategy anchored on distributed renewable energy, mini-grids, and private sector investment.
He praised Governor Oborevwori for domesticating the Electrification Act 2023, creating a state regulatory commission, and strengthening rural electrification structures. According to him, these efforts put Delta ahead of most states, positioning it to take charge of its own energy future.
Aliyu disclosed that the REA currently has $1.16 billion earmarked to catalyse renewable energy infrastructure across the country, noting that the funds are available but require strong partnerships with state governments and private investors.
He urged the Governor to encourage investors to bring such projects to Delta, pointing out that the decision ultimately lies with the private sector. The MD/CEO of the Agency cited an investor already considering a $53 billion investment in a 600MW solar panel assembly plant, stressing the need to convince him to site it in Delta.
The REA boss also referenced a nationwide assessment conducted with McKinsey, which revealed that about 119 million Nigerians still need improved electricity access, with over 22 million households requiring connections.
He explained that the most cost-efficient solutions involve solar home systems and mini-grids, especially for sparsely populated communities where extending the national grid would be uneconomical. Aliyu noted that Delta has a significant number of such communities and is, therefore, well-suited for renewable energy deployment.
On her part, the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Hon. Engr. Doris Uboh, in her presentation, revealed that bridging electricity gaps across Delta State could unlock over 31,200 jobs and attract investments worth $158 million through private sector-led mini-grid projects.
Presenting detailed electrification data, Uboh noted that Ndokwa East tops the list of LGAs with 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.
Uboh urged investors to seize the opportunity, emphasising that sustainable electrification would not only power households and businesses but also boost economic growth and position Delta as a renewable energy hub.
Earlier, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe, welcomed participants, describing the roundtable as a platform to foster collaboration and shape Delta’s transition to a sustainable energy system.
The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between REA, RESCOs, and the Delta State Government on renewable energy investments.
In another development, Governor Oborevwori has urged the Federal Government to revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, even as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the Government at the centre in that regard.
The governor, who spoke when he received the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) led by its Chairman, Prince Sen Adedayo Adeleye, said the revival of the seaports will unlock the full economic potential of Delta as Nigeria’s maritime hub.
He noted that the revitalisation of the ports would create jobs, attract investments, and boost national revenue, saying, “Delta State is strategically blessed with four ports. If these ports are revived, they will create massive employment, stimulate trade, and strengthen the economy of the Delta and Nigeria. It is often more impactful to modernise existing ports than to build new ones.”
He commended the NPA for its modernisation efforts but appealed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and the rehabilitation of Warri and Koko ports facilities, stressing that such interventions needed to be treated as national priorities. The governor disclosed that Delta was working closely with the Federal Government to tackle critical infrastructural challenges, pointing out that the collaborations were already yielding results.
“The Federal Government has awarded the Summit Junction–Bridge head section of the Benin-Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company, while the State Government has awarded a section of the Sapele–Warri Road project to CCECC at a cost of N35 billion,” he said, adding that this was a clear demonstration of the positive relationship between the state and the centre.
Oborevwori assured potential investors of improved security in the state, noting that oil installations were no longer under frequent attacks and that the environment was now peaceful for business.
He added that Delta had enacted a law against illegal levies and harassment of companies to protect investments, even as he, however, urged companies operating in the state to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with host communities by engaging local people, which, he said, was key to sustaining harmony.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, the governor revealed that Julius Berger had returned to the state for the first time in years, handling major flyovers at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout, among others, saying “Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub.”
Earlier, Senator Adeleye pledged the Board’s readiness to work closely with the Delta State Government to revive the state’s ports and enhance their contributions to Nigeria’s maritime economy, even as he said that Delta ports (Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu) are strategic gateways that, if fully optimized, will boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
He noted that the NPA Board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, embarked on a nationwide tour of ports to assess challenges firsthand before implementing solutions. The NPA boss commended the Delta State Government for supporting security around the ports, stressing that safety remains crucial to sustaining operations.
While highlighting issues of underutilization, collapsed quays and shallow drafts, Senator Adeleye harped on the need for a deep seaport to attract global shipping traffic, saying “Delta ports currently contribute about 10.7 per cent of national trade volumes, which is impressive, but there is room for improvement. With stronger collaboration, we can restore the vibrancy of these ports and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime trade.”
