Okpai Power Plant: Oghene backs Ned Nwoko’s bid to boost electricity in Delta

…Adds: move aims to harness Okpai Power Plant’s 980MW capacity for host communities

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Victory Oghene, a public affairs analyst, has backed Senator Ned Nwoko’s call for the Delta State Government to manage the Okpai Power Plant to enhance electricity supply in the state.

The Okpai Power Plant, located in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, recently increased its capacity to 980 megawatts but has not provided adequate electricity to host communities.

Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North, has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure the plant benefits the state.

In a statement on Friday, Oghene expressed support for Nwoko’s initiative, emphasizing that effective management would alleviate the suffering of Delta residents.

He noted that Nwoko’s appeal follows his collaboration with investors interested in partnering with the Delta Government through Public-Private Partnerships to improve power supply.

According to him, the proposal also involves implementing the Electricity Act 2023, which would attract further investment and support independent power projects.

Oghene mentioned that other experts support Nwoko’s stance, arguing that state government intervention is necessary to address the power crisis, as the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act 2005 entitles host communities to benefit from energy projects on their land.

He said, “A few days ago, Senator Prince Chinedu Munir Nwoko, known as Ned Nwoko, urged the Delta State Government to focus on the local electricity sector, leveraging the Okpai Power Plant to improve power supply for Deltans and attract both local and foreign investments.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, he encouraged the state government to take charge of the electricity sector to bolster power supply and improve local access. He believes state management will help fulfill Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed with oil companies for Corporate Social Responsibility projects and attract more investors.

“Nwoko highlighted the longstanding issue faced by the Ndokwa people, who generate power for the nation yet experience inadequate electricity in their communities. He appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that power is redirected to benefit residents.

“Nigeria operates a three-tier government system with defined roles and functions. As constituents of National Assembly members from the state, people look to them to attract development from the Federal Government to the constituencies.

“The Okpai IPP project, managed by Nigeria Agip Oil, NNPC, ConocoPhillips, and EniPower, has been controversial and delayed. However, Nwoko moved a motion on March 7, 2024, asking the IPP Joint Venture partners to complete the step-down project.

“The senator is strongly committed to his mandate. For the past 19 years since the plant was commissioned, Nwoko appears to be the first senator from the district to spearhead a pragmatic approach towards the project’s swift implementation for Delta North.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo commissioned the Okpai IPP in 2005, directing that 50 megawatts of electricity benefit host communities within a 50-kilometer radius. Nwoko approached the Delta State government to fund and complete the project for Deltans, as it serves the state’s interest.

“It’s noteworthy that state governments funding private projects is not uncommon.

“The first phase of the IPP project in Okpai, started in 2002, was inaugurated by Obasanjo in 2005, with a capacity to generate 480 megawatts of electricity. The expansion plan was designed to increase power generation by 450 MW, using a combined cycle gas turbine plant with two gas turbine generators and one steam turbine generator.”

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