Bayelsa moves to end power woes with 60MW plant commissioning

Stanley Ihedigbo

Governor Douye Diri has announced that the Bayelsa State Government will, this April, inaugurate a series of landmark infrastructure projects, including its independent power plant, a 630-metre bridge, and a major dual carriage road, in a move expected to significantly boost development in the state.

According to the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor disclosed this on Tuesday during the March edition of the monthly Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, stating that the state’s 60-megawatt gas-fired turbine power project is nearing completion and will be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Diri, the power plant, located in Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area, is currently at 99 per cent completion and undergoing preparations for a test run before full inauguration.

He noted that the project, once operational, would mark a major turning point in the state’s electricity supply, which has suffered decades of instability.

“For about 30 years, Bayelsa has not enjoyed steady electricity. What we are bringing is 60 megawatts, which is far higher than the maximum 24 megawatts the state currently receives from the national grid,” the governor said.

Diri stressed that the availability of stable electricity would stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises and drive industrial growth across the state.

He, however, explained that consumers would pay for electricity through a metered pay-as-you-go system to ensure transparency and sustainability.

He appealed for patience from residents, noting that the project, initially scheduled for completion in December 2025, had faced delays but is now on the verge of delivery.

In addition to the power project, the governor revealed that the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma bridge spanning the River Nun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area is also ready for commissioning.

The bridge, described as the longest in the state, is a key component of the ongoing road project linking communities to Agge.

Diri recalled that the foundation for the bridge was laid during the administration of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, towards the end of the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He further disclosed that a newly completed dual carriageway connecting the New Yenagoa City to the NLNG Road at Gbarantoru would serve as an alternative route to ease traffic on the busy Yenagoa-Mbiama road.

The governor also provided updates on other ongoing projects, including the Nembe-Brass road, whose first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, depending on funding availability.

While addressing the political climate, Diri urged political actors in the state to maintain peace and decorum as political activities begin to gather momentum nationwide.

He cautioned against the use of inflammatory language capable of destabilising the state.

“Whether in government or opposition, we must keep the peace. Governments will come and go, but the people will remain. Bayelsa is blessed with peace and security, and we must preserve it,” he said.

Delivering a sermon titled “In Everything Praise God,” Chaplain of the Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Steven Olali, encouraged the congregation to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude regardless of circumstances. He emphasized the importance of maintaining faith and spiritual connection as a pathway to a better life.

The planned commissioning of these projects is widely seen as a major milestone in the Diri administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance energy supply, and stimulate economic growth in Bayelsa State.