By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action to address the delay in distributing 100 megawatts of electricity to communities in the Delta North senatorial district. Mandating its Committee on Power to investigate the matter, the Senate aims to promptly resolve the issue and ensure that the electricity generated benefits the communities as intended.
The delay in distributing electricity generated by the Okpai Independent Power Plant, located in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, has prompted concerns raised by Senator Ned Nwoko. Nwoko highlighted the importance of addressing this delay and ensuring that the host communities receive the electricity they are entitled to.
The Okpai Independent Power Plant, operated by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has a functional 930-megawatt gas-fired power generation facility. It has been a vital contributor to Nigeria’s power supply grid since its inauguration by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in April 2005.
Despite upgrades and plans to increase power supply to host communities, including an extension to benefit the entire Delta North senatorial district, delays in project execution have persisted. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) awarded a contract in 2021 for the construction of a 132KV Double Circuit Transmission Line to enhance electricity supply, but implementation has been sluggish.
The Senate, recognizing the urgency of the matter, voted to adopt the motion put forward by Senator Nwoko. The motion has been referred to the Committee on Power for further investigation and legislative action, with a mandate to report back to the Senate within one month.
By proactively addressing the challenges hindering power distribution in Delta State, the Senate demonstrates its commitment to improving electricity access and infrastructure across Nigeria. The outcome of the committee’s investigation and subsequent actions will be eagerly awaited by the affected communities and stakeholders in the power sector.