Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has reiterated his administration's commitment to making Bayelsa an energy hub, not just for the South-South region but for the entire country. He made this statement during the launch of the Bayelsa Energy Research Consortium (BERCo) in Yenagoa, which was organized by the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA) in partnership with the German Government through GIZ. The event marked the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State's creation.
The Bayelsa Energy Research Consortium is a new platform for evidence, innovation, and collaboration focused on research, innovation, capacity development, and practical energy solutions. Governor Diri emphasized the importance of research in development, urging researchers to be studious and work towards making Bayelsa an energy hub. He also commended the partnership with the German Government through GIZ, which has led to significant opportunities for the state.
The German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Daniel Krull, praised Bayelsa as one of Nigeria's richest states, not only in oil and gas but also in human resources. He disclosed that the German Government and the European Union are supporting decentralization in Nigeria's energy sector and that Bayelsa was selected based on merit due to the commitment shown by BYERA. This partnership aims to drive growth and development in the state's energy sector.
The Director General of BYERA, Dr. Rosalyn Dressman, highlighted the agency's achievements in 13 months, including building a functioning state electricity regulator. BYERA has issued its first license, created a digital support and complaint platform for consumers, and developed an Energy Calculator and trackable complaint portal to protect consumers. The agency is now in the technical capability phase, focusing on six operational lanes, including licensing, tariff and services, and data planning and investment.
Dr. Dressman explained that Bayelsa moved from interstate to intrastate regulation following the Electricity Act 2023 and the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2025. The agency's mandate is focused on protecting consumers and promoting investment in the energy sector. The Bayelsa Energy Research Consortium will address the state's data challenge, which has hindered investment, by developing an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) projected to cost over $1.5 million.
An official of GIZ, Dr. Akpolo, announced that Bayelsa is the first among five states selected for comprehensive support under the agency's current electricity program. The Chairman of BYERA, Engr. Austin Adigio, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for establishing BYERA and securing partnerships for the state's energy development. He described the presence of the German Consul General as strategic, signaling that Bayelsa's energy challenge is a global opportunity for partnership and investment.
The Bayelsa Energy Research Consortium will be guided by five pillars: Research for Solution, Partnerships for Progress, Innovation for Communities, Evidence for Investment, and Sustainable Bayelsa Energy. The launch of BERCo marks a significant step towards achieving Bayelsa's goal of becoming an energy hub, with the state leveraging partnerships and research to drive growth and development in the sector.
Key points
- Bayelsa State aims to become an energy hub for Nigeria, driven by research and innovation in the energy sector.
- The Bayelsa Energy Research Consortium was launched in partnership with the German Government through GIZ to drive growth and development in the state's energy sector.
- The consortium will focus on research, innovation, capacity development, and practical energy solutions to address Bayelsa's energy challenges.
