Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) has called on the Delta Government to intensify efforts in managing the state’s electricity sector to ensure improved power supply.
Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District, made this appeal in Abuja on Monday.
He emphasised that taking control of the electricity sector would enhance the implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between oil companies and host communities, fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility commitments.
Nwoko believes this initiative would support local power projects and attract investment through more favourable conditions for investors.
“Many states have engaged in federal road projects with agreements to receive reimbursements from the federal government. Given its significant impact on local communities and the state’s economy, the electricity sector is even more deserving of such intervention,” Nwoko said.
The senator also addressed recent online media reports that misrepresented discussions he had with constituents from Ndokwa/Ukuani regarding a local power plant. He clarified that these discussions were intended to address developmental challenges and explore potential partnerships with other government entities.
Nwoko expressed disappointment that some media outlets had distorted the context of these conversations.
“The articles circulating misrepresent how governance functions and the roles of different government units and the legislature,” he noted.
He highlighted the Okpai power plant in Ndokwa East LGA, a significant independent power producer in Nigeria, which began operations in 2005 with a capacity of 480MW. Following an expansion in March 2022, the plant’s capacity increased by 500MW. This additional power is supplied to the national grid via the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Nwoko criticised the situation where the local community benefits little from the power generated, despite the Energy Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005 entitling host communities to benefit from energy projects in their area. He highlighted the disparity faced by Ndokwa residents, who continue to live in darkness despite the power generated by the Okpai plant.
He pointed out that while Niger Delta activists successfully advocated for oil revenue rights, which led to significant benefits for the region, the Ndokwa people have yet to see similar benefits from their local power resources. Nwoko urged the Delta Governor to ensure that power generation directly benefits the host communities.
Additionally, Nwoko mentioned that he has arranged partnerships with two major investors willing to collaborate with the Delta Government. These partnerships, he said, could be structured through Public-Private Partnerships to recoup investments and improve local power access.