Tinubu Flags Off 60MW Energy Project in Bayelsa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday inaugurated a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in a move aimed at improving electricity supply and accelerating industrial growth in the Niger Delta.

The power facility, executed under the administration of Governor Douye Diri, is designed to strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on the national grid and delivering more stable electricity to homes and businesses.

The plant, powered by gas turbines, will primarily supply electricity to Yenagoa and surrounding communities. Officials say it is expected to unlock new investment opportunities, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and drive economic diversification in the oil-rich state.

Speaking at the inauguration, President Tinubu described the project as a critical intervention in addressing persistent electricity challenges in the region. He noted that reliable power remains central to economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards.

Following the ceremony, the president toured the facility, inspecting key infrastructure including turbines, transformers, and distribution systems to assess the plant’s operational readiness.

The 60MW IPP is widely seen as a strategic response to longstanding electricity deficits in Bayelsa, where erratic power supply has historically slowed economic activities and forced businesses and residents to rely heavily on diesel and petrol generators.

Governor Diri earlier stated that the project aligns with the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” adding that it represents a major step toward industrialising the state. He said the initiative would not only improve power supply but also position Bayelsa as a more attractive destination for investors.

Energy experts note that subnational power projects like the Elebele IPP are becoming increasingly important as states seek alternative solutions to Nigeria’s national grid challenges. By leveraging local resources such as natural gas, Bayelsa aims to create a more sustainable and independent power ecosystem.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the state’s broader independent power initiative, with expectations that the plant will deliver immediate and long-term economic benefits across the region.