Stakeholders in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, are advocating for private-sector participation in the state's power sector, particularly in generation, transmission, and distribution. They believe this will create an enabling environment for industrialization, attract investors, and develop the state's economy. The call was made at a roundtable organized by the South-South Reawakening Group, which brought together energy experts, regulators, investors, and policymakers.
The 60-megawatt gas turbine project currently underway in Bayelsa State requires a supportive law to ensure its continuity and success. Stakeholders emphasize that the existing facility will not be sufficient to meet the state's future electricity needs as industrial and commercial activities expand. They urge the Bayelsa State Government to begin planning for additional generation capacity to address the state's growing energy demands.
Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, stresses that electricity is central to the state's industrial development. He calls for long-term planning beyond the existing generation capacity, emphasizing that power is essential for industrialization. Ambakederimo also highlights the importance of developing the entire electricity value chain, including generation, transmission, and distribution.
King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, describes electricity as fundamental to industrialization. He encourages residents and businesses to maximize the opportunities created by improved power supply, noting that reliable electricity can contribute to reducing social problems by creating opportunities for businesses and young people.
The Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Mr. Olice Kemenanabo, emphasizes the need to develop generation, transmission, and distribution as an integrated system. He notes that the power system is only as strong as its weakest link and that the value chain must be planned and operated as one integrated system.
Dr. Rosalyn Dressman, Director-General of the Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency, says the agency is working to coordinate generators, distributors, and consumers to sustain electricity supply in the state. She identifies vandalism of transformers as one of the challenges affecting the electricity value chain and notes that efforts are being made to extend electricity distribution to more residents.
The roundtable's recommendations include policy consistency, legislative protection for critical energy infrastructure, measures to tackle vandalism, and the expansion of the 60MW power system. The stakeholders believe that private-sector participation and investment in the power sector will help drive industrialization and economic growth in Bayelsa State.
Key points
- Private-sector participation is crucial for Bayelsa State's power sector development.
- The state's existing 60MW power facility will not meet future electricity needs.
- Developing the entire electricity value chain is essential for reliable power supply.
