By Mokobia
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government says it is intensifying efforts to improve electricity supply, infrastructure and security as part of measures to attract fresh investment and expand economic opportunities across the state.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while speaking on Arise News’ The Morning Show, where he outlined some of the administration’s initiatives aimed at creating a more favourable environment for businesses and investors.
Aniagwu said the government was particularly focused on addressing electricity constraints, noting that reliable power remained critical to the growth of industries, farms and small businesses.
He disclosed that the state was extending a 33KV electricity line from Abraka towards Kwale, with the objective of improving power supply to businesses and communities along the corridor and reducing reliance on private generators.
Beyond conventional electricity sources, the commissioner said the government was also looking at ways of deploying Delta’s gas resources for power generation, particularly around the state’s Special Economic Zone.
According to him, investors are being encouraged to establish power-generation facilities around the Kwale Free Trade Zone, where a gas-gathering facility is already in operation.
Aniagwu said the proposed development could provide electricity for businesses operating within the zone and potentially support supply to other areas of the state.
He also disclosed that the state had already gained experience from an 8.5-megawatt power-generation initiative in Asaba, which currently supplies electricity to a number of government facilities.
The commissioner said the government was considering ways of extending such initiatives to private-sector users, following the liberalisation of Nigeria’s electricity market.
He added that plans were also underway to establish an energy commission for Delta State, which would provide the institutional and regulatory framework for developments in the sector.
Aniagwu explained that the administration deliberately chose to strengthen infrastructure and security before embarking on an aggressive investment drive.
He said investors needed confidence that their businesses would have access to roads, electricity, security and a dependable legal environment.
The commissioner said the approach was already generating interest from investors from countries including China, Brazil and Malaysia, stressing that the ultimate objective was to translate investment into employment and improved livelihoods for residents.
However, he identified vandalism of electricity infrastructure as one of the factors slowing down efforts to improve power supply, particularly in parts of Ndokwa.
According to him, the state government had made repeated attempts to extend the 33KV line from Abraka towards Kwale, but some of the installations had subsequently been vandalised.
He said transformers, feeder lines and distribution cables had also been affected by vandalism, thereby undermining efforts to deliver electricity to homes and businesses.
Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had intervened in the matter and urged communities to take greater responsibility for protecting public infrastructure located within their areas.
He added that another phase of the electricity intervention was being handled by the Ministry of Energy, while similar measures were being pursued to address power-related challenges in the Isoko axis.
On the political front, Aniagwu said the administration would approach the 2027 elections by presenting its record of projects and development initiatives to the electorate.
He said the government intended to commission completed projects and allow residents to assess the administration based on tangible infrastructure and other deliverables.
The commissioner maintained that the strategy was to demonstrate what had been achieved rather than depend solely on campaign rhetoric.
