Delta State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand access to renewable and off-grid power solutions, in a major step toward addressing the state’s chronic electricity shortfall.
The agreement—formalized during a roundtable in Abuja—will deliver power to more than 386,000 residents through 120,217 new connections, attract an estimated $158 million in private sector investment, and boost Delta’s $2.9 billion GDP.
Unlocking Clean Energy for Growth
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, speaking at the event themed “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, said the initiative aligns with his administration’s MORE Agenda and medium-term development plan (2024–2027).
“Electricity access is a cornerstone for productivity, investment, and improved livelihoods,” Oborevwori said. “Off-grid renewable solutions such as solar and wind power present huge opportunities for sustainable development in communities long left behind by the national grid.”
He pledged a business-friendly environment for investors, promising to cut red tape and accelerate implementation. He also revealed that work is underway on an 8.5MW independent power plant in Asaba to supply electricity to key government institutions.
Expanding Renewable Infrastructure
Delta’s renewable energy plan will deploy:
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Solar-powered mini-grids and farms
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Hybrid solar-wind systems
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Energy-as-a-service models to help businesses access reliable electricity without bureaucratic hurdles
Investment and Job Creation Potential
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu emphasized Delta’s strong potential, noting that the agency had identified 471 viable mini-grid sites, including 83 in Ndokwa East LGA alone. On average, he said, a Delta community could support 255 new electricity connections, making the state highly attractive to investors.
“These projects could create over 31,000 jobs and electrify more than 120,000 buildings,” Aliyu said. He also pointed to the potential for a $53 billion, 600MW solar panel assembly plant, urging the state to position itself to capture such large-scale investment.
Backed by National Funding
The partnership is supported by REA’s $1.16 billion National Electrification Fund, designed to accelerate rural development, improve healthcare and education services, and significantly close Delta’s energy access gap.
