Governor Diri Says 60MW Power Project Marks Major Step Toward Reliable Electricity Supply 
The Bayelsa State Government has announced that its long-awaited 60-megawatt gas turbine power plant is now operational on a test-run basis, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to provide reliable electricity to residents and businesses.
Governor Douye Diri disclosed that the gas-fired power project, located in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, has commenced supplying electricity to parts of Yenagoa as engineers carry out final testing and system calibration before full commercial operations.
According to the governor, the successful test-run demonstrates that the project is progressing as planned despite earlier delays that followed its commissioning by President Bola Tinubu in April 2026.
Diri explained that electricity distribution will gradually be expanded to more communities across the state once technical evaluations are completed and the system is confirmed to be operating efficiently.
The 60MW independent power project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply in Bayelsa, reducing dependence on diesel and petrol generators while lowering energy costs for households and businesses. The government also believes the project will attract new investments, stimulate industrial growth, create jobs and improve the state's overall business environment.
The governor noted that stable electricity remains a critical foundation for economic development, adding that the administration is committed to ensuring the power plant delivers uninterrupted electricity to residents in line with its development agenda.
The Bayelsa Independent Power Project is one of the state's flagship infrastructure initiatives and is designed to harness the state's abundant natural gas resources to generate electricity locally. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to provide round-the-clock power to Yenagoa and surrounding communities, boosting productivity across commercial, industrial and public sectors.
Residents and businesses have welcomed the commencement of the test-run, expressing optimism that the project will help address years of unreliable electricity supply and support sustainable economic growth in the state.