The Bayelsa State Government has commenced a test run of 20 megawatts from its newly completed 60-megawatt gas-fired turbine plant, with electricity supply now reaching parts of the Opolo axis and adjoining suburbs within the Yenagoa metropolis.
The development marks the first operational phase of the independent power project inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 10, 2026, amid renewed hopes of improved electricity supply across the state capital.
The gradual energising of the facility comes weeks after public criticism followed the official inauguration of the project, as many residents questioned the absence of immediate electricity supply despite the commissioning ceremony.
Governor Douye Diri had earlier promised residents uninterrupted electricity during the 2025 yuletide season, a target that was not achieved. The state government later shifted the expected commencement date to February 14, 2026, during activities marking the sixth anniversary of the administration, but the plant still did not become operational until its formal inauguration in April.
Sources familiar with the project said the ongoing phased rollout was designed to test the stability of feeders, transmission compatibility, voltage performance, load balancing, and operational efficiency before expanding supply to other parts of Yenagoa and neighbouring communities.
The controlled test phase is also expected to allow engineers assess safety compliance and monitor the overall performance of the distribution network during the early stage of operation.
For several months, many parts of Yenagoa have experienced prolonged darkness and erratic electricity supply largely attributed to inadequate power distribution by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
Investigations indicate that PHEDC currently supplies only about 10 megawatts to Yenagoa, a situation residents and stakeholders say has contributed to persistent rationing and unstable electricity within the state capital.
Residents have, however, expressed cautious optimism over the commencement of the turbine test run, describing it as a possible turning point in the state’s longstanding electricity challenges.
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The 60MW gas-fired turbine project is regarded as one of the biggest independent power investments undertaken by the Bayelsa State Government in recent years. The facility is expected to reduce dependence on the national grid, stimulate industrial activities, support small businesses, and strengthen socioeconomic development within Yenagoa and surrounding communities.
Government officials maintain that the project is also strategic to Bayelsa’s economic future, particularly as the state continues to grapple with inadequate electricity allocation from the national grid despite its significant contribution to Nigeria’s gas resources.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, explained that the delay between inauguration and commencement of supply was necessary to allow for the installation of critical safety gadgets and protective systems for technical personnel operating the facility.
According to her, the government deliberately delayed full activation to ensure all operational and safety standards were properly completed before public distribution commenced.
Energy analysts say that if fully operational and efficiently managed, the plant could significantly transform electricity supply in Yenagoa, reduce dependence on the fragile national grid, and position Bayelsa as one of the few states with viable independent power infrastructure capable of driving industrial and commercial growth.