ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State has smashed through the barriers of Nigeria’s broken national power system with a bold, decentralized electricity reform, setting the pace for sub-national energy independence and private-sector-led power supply.
The game-changing initiative, unveiled after the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba, will see Delta run its own mini-grid electricity model powered by multiple independent operators, backed by a new regulatory framework and institutions.
Briefing journalists, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, declared: “This is a major milestone. With the domestication of the 2023 Electricity Act and this EXCO approval, we’re creating a reliable, steady electricity market for Deltans, at competitive prices.”
The model throws out the long-failing centralized grid and replaces it with resilient, locally run systems. Under the plan, operators will generate, distribute, and supply power in designated zones. An outage in one zone won’t paralyze the rest of the state.
“This model ensures each operator takes full responsibility for their area,” Ekedayen explained. “It enhances reliability and allows them to tailor solutions based on available energy sources, from gas to solar or hydro.”
In a sharp departure from government-heavy projects, the Commissioner emphasized that Delta’s electricity market will be fully funded by private investors. “Our job is to set the rules, ensure fairness, and create an investment-friendly atmosphere,” he said.
To oversee the emerging energy ecosystem, EXCO approved the establishment of the Delta State Electricity Commission, which will license operators, monitor standards, and resolve disputes. A Rural Electricity Agency has also been created to tackle energy access in neglected communities.
In addition, the state will appoint a System Operator to manage power coordination, and a Market Operator to enforce minimum service delivery and monitor electricity supply data.
A consultant will be hired to guide the rollout and implementation of the reforms, ensuring a professional, error-proof approach.
“This is uncharted territory for most states, but Delta is not afraid to lead,” Ekedayen said. “We’re not just delivering electricity—we’re delivering a system that works, one that supports jobs, drives industry, and lifts our people’s standard of living.”
Describing the reform as the formal birth of the Delta electricity market, Ekedayen said it aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda and urged the private sector to embrace the opportunity.
“Delta is set to become a national model in electricity transformation,” he concluded.
