By John Ovie
The long awaited Bayelsa state independent 60 megawatts gas powered electricity project is finally set for inauguration in less than two weeks from now by the president of the federal republic, Bola Tinubu.
Tongues had been wagging since the December 2025 deadline earlier set by the state government for the commissioning of the project failed due to non completion of installation of all the eight gas turbines.
It was also expected that the historic electricity project was going to be commissioned during the sixth year anniversary celebration of the prosperity government led by Senator Douye Diri but that also did not come to pass.
Since then, many Bayelsans have expressed dissatisfaction and blaming the managers of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited for allegedly playing pranks with the power project.
Meanwhile, a visit to the project site by the Governor and his working team on Tuesday has reignited hope that Yenagoa city will soon experience uninterrupted power supply.
Diri reassured that the 60-megawatt gas-fired turbine plant was set for test-run and would be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.
He said when fully operational, the power plant situated at Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area would boost socio-economic development and catalyse industrial growth.
The Bayelsa governor appreciated people of the state for their patience, support and understanding on the project, which he noted had earlier been earmarked for completion by December 2025.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah explained that consumption of electricity would be metered and paid for through the pay-as-you-go billing system so that consumers would not be overcharged.
He said: “The state’s gas turbine project is 99 per cent completed. I was there today, and l saw things for myself. We are bringing no less a person than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Tinubu, to inaugurate it.
“With what l have seen and been assured, April 2026 will not pass us by. However, we must also test run the facility before it fully comes on stream.
“For 30 years, there has not been steady power supply in our state just as the country is currently grappling with frequent power outage. Bayelsans should exercise some patience as we are almost there.
“As a government, we are committed to this project and others. It is what we have that we will showcase.
“Governments have come and gone in this state but none brought even one megawatt of power. We are bringing 60 megawatt far more than what the whole state has been receiving from the national grid, which I have been informed is a maximum of 24 megawatt.
“Small and medium scale enterprises will thrive when we have 24-hour electricity supply. But consumers should be ready to pay for power. The state government has to pay for the gas, which will be for electricity to get to consumers in their homes and communities. The bill will then be passed to the consumers on a pay-as-you-go system to avoid estimated billing. That is the only way we can maintain the facility.”
Also in a statement, the Technical Adviser to the governor of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Wisdom Ikuli said the electricity project project will be commissioned and put to use in “less than two weeks”.
On the completed 630-metre long bridge, he recalled that the immediate past vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony at the twilight of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He said the bridge, which is the longest in the state, is an integral part of the ongoing road project to Agge expected to be completed by the end of this year, depending on availability of funds.
Diri equally stated that the completed dual carriageway linking the New Yenagoa City to the NLNG Road at Gbarantoru community would serve as bypass to the Yenagoa-Mbiama road just as he disclosed that the first phase of the Nembe-Brass road project is expected to finish by end of 2026.
The Bayelsa helmsman implored the political class in the state to guard their utterances following the commencement of political activities in the country and to maintain a peaceful disposition at all times regardless of political leanings.
“Whether you are in government or in the opposition, let us keep the peace. We are all brothers and sisters. We should not use foul language to heat up the polity.
“Governments will come and go and the people will remain. Bayelsa is blessed, the people enjoy peace and security, and they can sleep with their two eyes closed unlike some other parts of the country.”
