Delta State Government has taken a decisive leap toward industrial transformation as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori moves to unlock 120 megawatts of additional electricity capacity through a strategic partnership with Sapele Power Plc.
The State Government, on Wednesday, said the initiative reflects a deliberate and forward-looking plan to accelerate industrial growth by leveraging the new constitutional amendment granting states greater control over electricity generation and distribution.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during a visit by the State Economic Management Team to Sapele Power Plc in Ogorode, Sapele Local Government Area.
Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori’s approach is anchored on long-term economic sustainability rather than short-term financial gains.
According to him, turbines and equipment previously acquired by the state and left idle for years in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area, were initially valued at about ₦3 billion as scrap. Instead of selling them off, the Governor opted to refurbish and deploy them to strengthen power generation capacity.
“Energy is the foundation of industrialisation. To attract industries, create jobs, and grow our economy, we must deliberately expand power generation and distribution,” Aniagwu said.
Following feasibility assessments conducted in collaboration with the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), the Ministry of Energy, and the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, the state entered into a partnership with Sapele Power Plc to integrate the dormant assets into the plant.
Sapele Power, which currently generates over 1,020 megawatts, will add 120 megawatts to the national grid upon completion of the refurbishment. The upgrade involves the installation of two 60-megawatt Rolls-Royce Trent 60 generating turbines.
Beyond boosting electricity supply, the project is already delivering economic value through job creation and technology transfer, with local engineers and technicians actively engaged in installation and fabrication processes.
Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, described the development as a strong demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to addressing Delta’s energy needs and driving industrial expansion.
Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe, who led the delegation, said the investment aligns with the new electricity law that allows greater state participation in the power sector.
He disclosed that the government has constituted a committee, working with consultants, to liberalise the electricity market, encourage private sector participation in generation and distribution, and promote affordable power for businesses and households.
Chairman of DIDA, Chief Lucky Oghene-Omoru, noted that the initiative has successfully transformed dormant assets into productive investments, commending Sapele Power Plc for its commitment to efficiency, cost reduction, and local capacity development.
In his remarks, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sapele Power Plc, Mr. Valentine Ashinze, praised Governor Oborevwori’s foresight and reaffirmed the company’s readiness to support Delta State’s industrialisation agenda.
