- Approves N230bn Projects
- To Construct Flyovers In Agbor, Ughelli
SUNDAY EGEDE
Delta State Government has taken a bold step towards transforming its electricity sector, with the adoption of a decentralized mini-grid model and the establishment of a regulatory body to drive a sustainable power market.
Speaking during a post-Executive Council (EXCO) press briefing in Government House, Asaba, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, said the move aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes improved service delivery across the state.
He recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly had earlier domesticated the Federal Government’s 2023 Electricity Act; thus providing the legislative foundation for the state to chart its own course in electricity generation, distribution, and regulation.
“With the passage of that law, we now have a clear pathway toward providing reliable and steady electricity supply to Deltans at competitive prices. This latest EXCO approval marks another major milestone in our journey,” hesaid.
According to him, the state government had adopted a mini-grid model that will allow multiple independent operators to provide end-to-end electricity services in various locations across the state.
He explained that the approach differs significantly from the conventional centralized grid, which often leaves entire regions in darkness when there is a failure at a single point in the system.
“With the mini-grid approach, if an outage occurs in one part of the state, it won’t affect other areas. Each operator is responsible for generation, distribution, and supply within their designated zones, which enhances resilience and reliability,” he explained.
The commissioner noted that the model also allows service providers to propose energy solutions based on the most viable energy mix for their respective areas, saying “while conventional gas-powered sources remain an option, operators can also, explore renewable energy alternatives such as solar and hydro power.
Ekedayen emphasized that the entire electricity reform would be privately funded, with the state government providing only the regulatory framework and the enabling environment. “This is a private sector-driven initiative. Our role is to set the rules, ensure fairness, and create the atmosphere for investment and innovation to thrive.
“To support this framework, the EXCO approved the establishment of the Delta State Electricity Commission, which will serve as the central regulatory authority.
“The Commission will be responsible for issuing licences, monitoring compliance, and mediating between operators and consumers.
“Also approved was the establishment of a Rural Electricity Agency, which will focus on delivering electricity to under-served rural communities across the state, ensuring inclusivity and equity in power distribution.
“In addition, the state has created the role of a System Operator to oversee the technical coordination of generation and supply processes, and a Market Operator who will track supply data, enforce service standards, and ensure that minimum electricity hours are delivered to homes and businesses,” he said.
Ekedayen announced that a consultant would also be appointed to help midwife the electricity transition process, providing expert guidance and assisting in the creation of a robust implementation roadmap.
He acknowledged that while electricity market reform was still new territory for many sub-national governments, Delta State remained committed to getting it right.
“Only a few states in Nigeria have dared to venture this far; we are determined to deliver not just electricity, but a system that works, one that creates jobs, supports industry, and improves the quality of life for our people,” he said.
The commissioner added that the journey would be deliberate and methodical to avoid costly mistakes, but always with the people’s best interests at the core of every decision.
He described the latest EXCO approvals as the formal birth of the Delta State electricity market and expressed optimism that the business and manufacturing sectors would welcome the initiative with enthusiasm.
“With this, we are confident that Delta is on course to becoming a model for sub-national electricity transformation in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Meanwhile the Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved N230 billion worth of projects across different sectors in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s continued commitment to infrastructure development and wellbeing of Deltans. The approvals were disclosed by the state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Asaba, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Aniagwu, flanked by Commissioners Sonny Ekedayen (Economic Planning), Reuben Izeze (Works – Highways and Urban Roads), Dr. Joseph Onojaeme (Health), Hon. Ebikeme Clark (Riverine Infrastructure), and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, explained that the council approved various projects spanning key sectors including health, road infrastructure, energy, and riverine development.
He added that the Council also reviewed and revoked non-performing contracts to ensure affected communities receive value for government’s investment.
Among the major approvals was the design and construction of a flyover at Uromi Junction in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, at a cost of ₦59.7 billion, and the design and construction of another flyover along the Ughelli/Patani (East-West) Highway at Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli, for ₦39.3 billion.
Other projects approved at the meeting included the construction of Kolokolo to Tisun Road in Warri North, the payment of retirement and death benefits to staff of Delta State University, Abraka, and the rehabilitation of Bomadi to Gbaregolor Road. Also approved were the completion of the Bulu-Angiama Road, off the Ughelli/Patani Expressway in Patani, and the completion of the Ituru Road in Elume, Sapele Local Government Area. The Executive Council also approved ₦1.05 billion for projects in Warri South-West Local Government Area under the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure Development. Construction of access roads leading to the Model Technical College in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area (Phase II), was also approved.
Flood control works from Orikeze Avenue Junction through Obi, Enuma, and Uromi Roads to Orogodo River in Ika South were approved at a cost of ₦15.3 billion, alongside the completion of Olikili Layout Roads in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area. The reconstruction of the dual carriageway on Warri–Sapele Road from the Spare Parts Market U-turn in Effurun to Ohorhe Junction before Ometan Bridge in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas (LGAs) also received approval.
The Council equally approved the construction of the Oko-Amakom to Oko-Obiokpu, Oko-Anala, and Oko-Obgele Road (Phase II) in Oshimili South, as well as Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, off the Ughelli/Patani Expressway.
Flood control projects were approved for Summit Road, Newell Street, and the surrounding areas in Oshimili South Local Government Area .
The Council adopted the Delta State Electricity Policy as presented by the Commissioner for Energy. It also ratified Governor Oborevwori’s earlier approval for the transfer of General Hospital, Otor-Udu, to the Federal Government, paving the way for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Owvian, Udu Local Government Area.
In order to further strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery, approval was granted for the procurement and installation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
In relation to the construction of the Second Niger Bridge Access Road and Bypass traversing Oko, Asaba, Ibusa, and Okpanam, the Council approved ₦10 billion compensation for landowners affected by the right-of-way acquisition.
Approval was also granted for the completion of Unoghovo Community Road linking the Benin Expressway to Ovade in Ethiope West Local Government Area, and for the construction of internal roads at the College of Education, Mosogar (Phase II). In Warri South-West, the Council approved internal roads in Jagbala and Kantu communities. It also gave a nod for the reconstruction and asphalt overlay of the Emu-Obodeti to Abbi to Abraka Road from Emu-Obodeti Junction in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
Providing further clarity on the Agbor flyover, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described it as a bold and strategic intervention. He explained that the junction had historically been prone to fatal road accidents, especially involving night travelers commuting to Abuja.
The new design includes two roundabouts and a 30-meter span beam, significantly longer than beams used in similar projects in places like Warri.
“Due to the length of the beams, specialized equipment currently not available in Nigeria will be imported from Germany by Julius Berger, the contractor handling the project. This necessity, Izeze noted, contributed to the high project cost. He added that the flyover would not only reduce accidents but also improve productivity in Agbor and its surrounding communities, which are predominantly agrarian.
The project, according to him, reinforces the Governor’s resolve to ensure equitable infrastructure development across the state.
