Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has appealed to residents of the state to exercise patience over the ongoing Bayelsa Independent Power Project, assuring that the delay experienced will not derail the completion of the initiative.
The 60-megawatt gas turbine power project, whose installation began in October, was initially scheduled for completion in December 2025 but has suffered logistical setbacks, forcing a shift in the delivery timeline.
This was contained in a statement issued by Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Wednesday.
According to Alabrah, Diri made the appeal on Wednesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the project site at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area. He said the project now requires a new completion date due to unforeseen technical and logistical challenges.
While acknowledging public disappointment, the governor said his response to the missed deadline was guided by understanding rather than anger, contrary to reactions observed on social media.
“I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power supply,” Diri said. “But as with every human endeavour, especially technical matters, delays can occur. We must keep an open mind.”
He urged residents to appreciate the efforts of the engineers handling the project, noting that a minor technical error could jeopardise the millions of dollars already invested.
“For 29 years, Bayelsa has endured darkness and epileptic power supply. Now that we are close to the day of liberation, some people have become impatient. Let us not lose sight of how far we have come,” the governor said.
Governor Diri commended the project’s technical partners, Jampur Group, and the Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited (BECL), Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, for what he described as round-the-clock work on the site.
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“Work has not stopped even for a day since it began. From reports available to me, the project is more than 90 per cent complete,” he stated, adding that Engr. Kemenanabo is “one of the best electrical engineers in Nigeria.”
The governor also disclosed that the state government is considering inaugurating the power project during its sixth anniversary celebrations in February 2026.
Earlier, Engr. Kemenanabo assured that the project was progressing steadily, explaining that the alignment of the gas generator and alternator was on course. He added that the remaining two turbines would arrive at the site within days.
Speaking on behalf of Jampur Group, Mr. Sherrif Abu-Anif said the company was well-positioned to fulfil its obligations and commended the Bayelsa State Government for its support and cooperation throughout the project.
The Bayelsa Independent Power Project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply across the state upon completion.