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The Delta State Government has taken a bold step towards solving its longstanding electricity crisis by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The agreement, sealed in Abuja on Wednesday, is expected to drastically reduce power shortages, extend electricity access to rural communities, and accelerate industrial development through renewable energy solutions.
Currently, over 60 percent of communities in Delta remain unconnected to the national grid, leaving households, businesses, and social institutions dependent on expensive diesel generators and other unreliable power alternatives.
The new partnership aims to change that narrative.
According to projections shared at the roundtable themed “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, the MoU will deliver:
120,217 new electricity connections across underserved communities.
386,000 residents gaining direct access to power.
$158 million in private sector investments mobilized for renewable energy projects.
A potential boost of $2.9 billion to Delta State’s GDP.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the agreement as a cornerstone of his administration’s MORE Agenda and medium-term development plan (2024–2027).
Speaking at the signing, Oborevwori highlighted the importance of reliable electricity for economic growth and quality of life.
“We view these programmes not only as energy access initiatives, but as powerful tools for inclusive economic growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation,” he said.
The governor also revealed ongoing work on an 8.5MW independent power plant in Asaba to serve key government institutions.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to renewable energy—particularly solar mini-grids and wind power—as sustainable solutions for communities excluded from the national grid.
On his part, REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, disclosed that the agency had mapped 471 potential mini-grid sites across Delta State, including 83 locations in Ndokwa East LGA alone.
He explained that Delta’s population density and industrial potential make it highly attractive for distributed renewable energy investments.
“On average, a village in Delta State can have 255 connections. This density makes the state very attractive for mini-grid investments,” Aliyu said.
Aliyu noted that these projects could generate over 31,000 new jobs and provide electricity to more than 120,000 buildings.
He added that the REA currently has $1.16 billion in funding available to support renewable energy projects across Nigeria.
Highlighting Delta’s attractiveness, Aliyu revealed that an international investor is considering a $53 billion solar panel assembly plant in Nigeria and encouraged Delta to position itself as the host state.
The REA boss commended Delta for prioritizing distributed renewable energy, mini-grids, and public-private collaboration as part of its electrification strategy.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, faces one of the continent’s most severe energy deficits, with an estimated 92 million citizens lacking access to electricity.
Experts argue that bridging this gap requires decentralised power generation, massive renewable investments, and stronger collaboration between states and federal agencies.
Delta’s agreement with REA reflects a growing trend of state governments taking proactive steps to attract investments in clean energy as a pathway to industrialisation and social development.
The Delta State Government expressed optimism that the collaboration will expand electricity access, support local industries, and transform healthcare and education delivery across rural communities.
With implementation of the MoU, experts believe Delta could become a model state for distributed renewable energy adoption in Nigeria.
For millions of residents who have endured years of darkness, unreliable supply, and high costs, the partnership offers a glimmer of hope—and a pathway to powering homes, businesses, and industries with clean, reliable energy.