By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: Plans to develop a 600-megawatt power plant in Delta State have been unveiled as part of efforts to boost industrialisation, with an energy firm disclosing that the state possesses coal reserves estimated at more than 200 million tonnes.
The proposal was announced on Tuesday during the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba by the Managing Director of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, who said the project would be located in Obomkpa, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Olukayode disclosed that the company had already secured more than 200 hectares of land for the proposed power plant, describing the project as a strategic investment capable of improving electricity supply and supporting industrial growth in the state.
He said geological surveys indicate that coal deposits spread across Obomkpa, Ugbodu and Ukunzu exceed the estimated reserves in some of Nigeria’s established coal-producing areas, making Delta one of the country’s emerging energy resource destinations.
According to him, the project extends beyond electricity generation, with the proposed industrial hub expected to stimulate investments in manufacturing and mineral processing.
He explained that the Obomkpa axis also contains significant deposits of kaolin and clay, resources that could support ceramics, building materials and other manufacturing industries.
Olukayode said harnessing the state’s solid mineral resources through responsible investment would help diversify Delta’s economy, reduce dependence on crude oil and create employment opportunities for local communities.
Energy and mining emerged among the key sectors identified during the summit as capable of driving Delta State’s economic diversification agenda.
Declaring the summit closed, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Sheriff Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting private investment into strategic sectors of the economy, including energy, mining, agriculture, transport and digital innovation.
He said the state government would continue to provide policy support, improve infrastructure and strengthen partnerships with investors to encourage large-scale projects capable of accelerating economic growth.
The proposed power project was one of several investment initiatives presented during the summit as stakeholders explored opportunities to position Delta State as a major destination for non-oil investments.
