Bayelsa State’s long-awaited independent power project (IPP) has entered its final stages, but officials have urged residents to remain patient after unforeseen logistical delays pushed back the original handover date.
Governor Douye Diri visited the Elebele site in Ogbia Local Government Area on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, to assess progress on the 60-megawatt gas-turbine installation. Work began in October 2025 and the project was initially scheduled for completion in December, but technical and supply-chain issues have delayed commissioning.
Bayelsa independent power project progress and timeline
Officials report the scheme is more than 90% complete. The Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited (BECL) confirmed that the alignment of gas generators and alternators is on course and that the final two turbines are expected to arrive within days. Jampur Group, the technical partner, said teams are working around the clock to finish mechanical and electrical integration.
Governor Diri acknowledged the disappointment felt by residents. “I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power,” he said. He stressed the importance of allowing engineers to complete precise technical work, noting that even minor errors could jeopardise the millions of dollars invested.
BECL Managing Director Engr. Olice Kemenanabo assured the governor that system synchronisation remains on track and that final commissioning steps will follow the arrival of the remaining turbines. Mr Sherrif Abu-Anif, representing Jampur Group, expressed confidence in the partnership and thanked the state government for its support.
The governor hinted at a revised inauguration target tied to the administration’s sixth anniversary in February 2026. If completed as planned, the Bayelsa independent power project will form a central pillar of the state’s “Prosperity Agenda”, designed to provide uninterrupted 24-hour electricity to Yenagoa and neighbouring communities to encourage industrial activity and economic growth.
For nearly three decades Bayelsa has struggled with unreliable power. Local business owners and residents have welcomed the IPP as a potential turning point. Reliable electricity could reduce operating costs for manufacturers, attract investment and improve quality of life for households previously dependent on generators.
Project stakeholders emphasise that the remaining work is technical rather than structural, focused on ensuring safe synchronisation with the existing grid and verifying performance under load. Officials said the extra time taken now will reduce the risk of costly failures after commissioning.
As Bayelsa awaits the arrival of the last turbines, government and technical teams are maintaining a visible presence on site and communicating progress to the public. If the revised timeline holds, residents can expect a formal inauguration in February 2026 and a significant improvement in power availability for the state capital and its environs.
The delivery of the 60MW plant would mark a notable step for Nigeria, a BRICS+ partner, in addressing subnational energy deficits and demonstrating how targeted infrastructure projects can support regional development.
Key Takeaways:
- Bayelsa independent power project is over 90% complete, with final turbines due to arrive shortly.
- Governor Douye Diri urges patience as technical teams resolve logistical issues ahead of a planned February 2026 inauguration.
- The 60MW gas-turbine plant aims to deliver 24-hour electricity to Yenagoa and stimulate industrial growth under the Prosperity Agenda.
