SOLAR energy comes in today as a very strong electricity option in Nigeria’s energy equation. Across virtually all urban communities in the country, panels of solar energy systems adorn the rooftops of residential buildings, commercial houses, financial institutions, manufacturing edifices, public offices, and other major socio-economic places. With the panels, batteries and other appliances, an effective electricity system that powers domestic and some industrial appliances and machines could be ready just within one week.
The power of each solar energy system is dependent on the capacity of the batteries and panels. This is renewable energy at work, dependable and efficient; no power outage or grid collapse as in the fossil fuel-powered electricity model that had been known for centuries. Again, the renewable energy option is clean and environment-friendly unlike the conventional one that poses plenty of danger, including air and environmental pollution.
The solar energy model is relatively cheaper to acquire, cutting out unnecessary protocols associated with the conventional type. Individuals, groups and corporate entities, depending on the needs and objectives, can access the new age electricity system.
In Delta State, and in most parts of the country, the rate of access to the renewable energy system is simply amazing; but it is not so in rural Delta where the population is very hungry for the service.
It is in recognition of this and the multifaceted benefits of the energy option that the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, recently, unveiled the plan of his administration to incorporate the solar energy option to extend electricity supply to the rural parts of the state. He unveiled the plan in Abuja, the nation’s capital, at the Rural Electrification Agency state by state round table engagement with Delta State.
According to him, electricity remains “a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investment, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in underserved communities…renewable sources like solar… are powerful tools for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.
He added that the demands for off-grid and mini-grid renewable solutions in rural areas, schools, hospitals, and small enterprise is massive and growing.” He assured investors of very friendly investment environment and high return on investment, and urged them to take advantage of the huge renewable energy opportunities in the state for investment.
The Rural Electrification Agency believes, based on its findings, that “bridging electricity gaps across Delta State would unlock 31,200 jobs and attract investment worth $158million .” It says that “most cost-effective solutions involve solar home systems, and mini-grids especially for sparsely populated communities where extending the national grid would be uneconomical.”
We recall that some weeks ago, the Governor similarly announced the adoption of the mini-grid electricity solution to power the state. Under that energy proposal, a mini-grid system could be established for a group of communities to serve their social and economic needs, completely detaching them from the inefficient conventional electricity system where the operators’ attitude favours mostly estimated billing.
Some months ago, the Delta State Electricity Act 2025 was signed into law by the Governor. During the event, the Governor remarked: “We have provided the legal framework to unlock a plethora of investment opportunities in the power generation, transmission, and distribution”.
It is quite absurd and unacceptable that a state that is gifted with power grids to feed the nation languish in chronic inadequacy of the product. For instance, Ogorode, Sapele power station, and Okpai power plant are all domiciled in the state and distributing energy to far and near.
The Governor’s approach to light up the state is worthy of commendation. We applaud the administration’s drive to electrify the entire state, including the rural areas, mostly with the renewable energy alternative.
Undeniably, the incumbent administration is committed to advancing significantly the welfare of Deltans through the energy initiatives, which is holly backed by an extant law. However, we urge government to push further in the implementation of the grand schemes. In our considered view, it should go into a strategic partnership with reputable solar energy providers to mount solar energy facilities, at least one in each of the three zones of the state as a practical demonstration of its stand. This could serve as a fine piece of motivation for investors.
