Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) has called for a proactive approach by the Delta Government to take control of the electricity sector in the state to enhance power supply.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Nwoko emphasized that such an initiative would also support the implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with host communities by oil companies for Corporate Social Responsibility.
He highlighted the benefits of local power projects and the potential to attract investors through favorable investment conditions. Nwoko pointed out that other states have successfully managed federal roads through agreements with the federal government for reimbursement.
Nwoko argued that the electricity sector, with its significant impact on local communities and the state’s economy, is particularly deserving of such intervention. He noted that recent media coverage had misrepresented his discussions about a power plant, resulting in misleading narratives.
He clarified that the Okpai Independent Power Plant in Ndokwa East LGA, which began operations in 2005 and expanded in 2022, supplies power to the national grid but has not benefited the local community. Nwoko expressed frustration over the local community’s lack of access to electricity despite hosting the plant.
The senator criticized the disparity between the benefits received by other regions and the lack of power in Ndokwa, urging the Delta Government to act on this issue. He also revealed that he has secured partnerships with two major investors interested in collaborating with the Delta Government through Public-Private Partnerships to improve local power access.