The governments of Benue and Bayelsa states have announced plans to improve electricity supply in their respective states. Benue is considering a $4 billion hydro power plant in Makurdi, the state capital, which is expected to generate 1,650 megawatts of electricity. This initiative is part of Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration efforts to strengthen the state's infrastructure and create an energy foundation to support industrial and economic development.
Bayelsa State, on the other hand, is planning to establish 13 mini-grids to complement its 60-megawatt turbine. The state's Electricity Regulatory Agency (BERA) is currently collating data for the establishment of the mini-grids, in collaboration with the German Development Organisation (GIZ) and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme. This project aims to provide stable power to residents and industries in the state.
According to Director General of BERA, Rosalyn Dressman, the agency has designed an Integrated Resource Plan that focuses on demand and load forecasting, establishing conditions of existing assets, and comparing supply and network options. The plan also identifies the least-cost options for meeting service requirements while considering resilience and project objectives.
The Managing Director of Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, Olice Kemenanabo, attributed the poor power supply in the state to a poor network. He noted that the Electricity Act provides for regulatory arrangements where state and interstate interests are involved but does not eliminate the franchise owner. Kemenanabo emphasized that the assets and franchise arrangements remain governed by the applicable legal framework.
The convener of the South South Reawakening Group, Joseph Ambakaderimo, described the Electricity Act, 2023, as a structural shift that empowers states to shape their own electricity markets. He noted that this transition represents both an opportunity and a responsibility, warning that decentralization, if not properly coordinated, risks fragmentation.
Ambakaderimo emphasized the need for dialogue, alignment, and collaboration to ensure successful execution of the new electricity market structure. He noted that reforms alone do not deliver outcomes, and execution requires coordination among stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), Johnpaul Kpenkaan, disclosed that the proposed hydro power plant in Benue will be a significant investment in the state's infrastructure. The project aims to support industrial and economic development in the state by providing a stable and reliable source of electricity.
Key points
- Benue State plans to build a $4 billion hydro power plant to generate 1,650 megawatts of electricity.
- Bayelsa State is establishing 13 mini-grids to complement its 60-megawatt turbine.
- The Electricity Act, 2023, empowers states to shape their own electricity markets, opening the door to innovation and locally driven solutions.
