Delta State Seals Landmark Deal With REA To Power Over 380,000 Residents, Unlock $158 Million Renewable Energy Investment
By Anthonia N. Okwuolise, Abuja
Delta State has taken a bold and historic step to close the electricity gap that has kept many of its communities in darkness for decades. On Wednesday in Abuja, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency, a partnership that will change the face of energy access in Delta.
This agreement is set to bring electricity to more than 386,000 residents across the state through over 120,000 new connections. Beyond lighting up homes and streets, the project is also projected to attract about 158 million dollars in private sector investments and boost Delta’s economy, which currently stands at 2.9 billion dollars in GDP.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who witnessed the signing, assured investors and partners that Delta is fully committed to transparency and accountability in the execution of the project. He noted that his government is laying the foundation for a future where clean and renewable energy will power industries, energize communities, and create opportunities for shared prosperity.
Speaking at the roundtable event tagged Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State, the Governor described the collaboration as a major part of his administration’s MORE Agenda and the state’s medium-term development plan for 2024 to 2027.
He explained that electricity is more than just light; it is the backbone of productivity, economic development, and improved standards of living. For communities that have been left behind by the national grid, he said renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power offer fresh opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
In his words, “These programmes are not only about providing energy, they are about transforming lives. Reliable electricity will support healthcare centres, improve schools, expand small and medium-scale businesses, create jobs, and stimulate rural development.”
Governor Oborevwori also promised that the state government would ensure a friendly and enabling environment for investors by removing unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks that could slow down implementation. He highlighted the ongoing construction of an 8.5-megawatt independent power plant in Asaba, which will supply uninterrupted electricity to key government offices and institutions.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, praised Delta’s forward-thinking approach. He revealed that a total of 1.16 billion dollars is already available nationwide for renewable energy projects, and Delta State stands to benefit greatly. He also hinted at a potential 53 billion dollar solar assembly plant, capable of producing 600 megawatts, which could be sited in the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Hon. Doris Uboh, explained that bridging Delta’s energy gap could open up more than 31,000 jobs while attracting additional investments of over 158 million dollars into mini-grid projects across the state.
Among the Delta State government officials who attended the ceremony were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, the Commissioner for Energy, Hon. Tataobuzogwu Sunday, and the Chief Economic Adviser, Dr. Barry Gbe, along with several other dignitaries.
This landmark deal signals the dawn of a new era for Delta State as it joins the global movement towards clean energy, inclusive development, and economic transformation.
