Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repertration, has called on the Delta State Government to take control of the electricity space in the state to improve power supply and foster local access to electricity.
Nwoko emphasized that this action would facilitate the delivery of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed with host communities by oil companies to provide Corporate Social Responsibility benefits. It would also attract investors and facilitate local power projects.
The senator noted that the people of Ndokwa have suffered for years, generating power for the nation’s capital and nearby states while living in darkness and backwardness. He urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to facilitate access to captured power, a step-down for his people to access light.
Nwoko secured arrangements with two major investors willing to partner with the Delta Government through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiatives. He stressed that many states have taken it upon themselves to work on federal roads and get refunds, and the electricity sector is even more qualified for such intervention.
The senator’s Communication Team Leader, Gloria Okolugbo, stated that Nwoko’s call for state government intervention is germane and needful. She emphasized that the effect on the economy of Delta State would be a game-changer.
Okolugbo noted that recent online media publications attempted to heat up the polity through conversations steeped in politics over excerpts of discussions between Nwoko and his constituents from Ndokwa/Ukwuani over the power plant. She described these publications as speculative and ignorant of the issues surrounding the power plant.
Nwoko explained that the Okpai Power Plant in Ndokwa East LGA, operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and NNPC, began operation in 2005 with an initial capacity of 480MW. An additional 500MW was added to the generation capacity in March 2022. However, the host communities have not benefited from the power generated.
The senator emphasized that the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005 and its subsequent amendments entitled host communities to enjoy the impact of the energy project on their land. He noted that the people of Ndokwa have suffered for years, generating light for the nation’s capital and nearby states while living in darkness and backwardness.
Nwoko urged the Delta Governor to facilitate access to captured power, a step-down for his people to access light. He stressed that the state government can play a major role in facilitating the implementation of the 132KVA Double Circuit transmission line commissioned to provide power for the immediate communities of Ndokwa/Ukwuani since 2021.
The senator secured partnerships with two major investors willing to partner with the government and recoup investment through PPP arrangements. He emphasized that domesticating the Electricity Act 2023 would attract investors and facilitate mini-grids, step-down projects, and independent power projects serving underserved communities across the state.
Nwoko’s desire is to ask for cooperation and give the issue the needed priority, not to berate as erroneously being bandied. He urged the state government to take the lead in achieving a 24/7 light supply record-breaking feat for its people.
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