The Bayelsa State Government has commenced a test run of 20 megawatts from the 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 major operational phase of the independent power project inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 10, 2026, amid expectations that the facility would significantly improve electricity supply across the state capital.
The project, however, generated public criticism shortly after its inauguration when residents failed to experience immediate electricity supply despite the official commissioning ceremony.
Governor Douye Diri had earlier assured residents that Yenagoa would enjoy uninterrupted power supply during the 2025 yuletide season, a promise that was not fulfilled. The governor later shifted the expected switch-on date to February 14, 2026, during activities marking the sixth anniversary of his administration, but the plant still did not commence operations before its eventual inauguration in April.
Sources familiar with the project disclosed that the ongoing gradual energising of the system is intended to test the stability of feeders, transmission compatibility, and operational efficiency before extending supply to other parts of Yenagoa and neighbouring communities.
The phased rollout is also expected to help engineers monitor voltage performance, load balancing, and safety compliance during the early stage of operations.
For months, several parts of the Yenagoa metropolis have remained in darkness due to poor electricity distribution by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, popularly known as PHEDC.
Investigations revealed that PHEDC currently supplies only about 10 megawatts to Yenagoa, a situation blamed for persistent power rationing and unstable electricity across the state capital.
Residents expressed optimism that the commencement of the turbine test run could finally usher in improved and possibly round-the-clock electricity supply as repeatedly promised by the state government.
The 60MW gas 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, boost industrial growth, support small businesses, and improve socioeconomic activities in Yenagoa and surrounding communities.
Government officials have also argued that the project would strengthen power infrastructure in Bayelsa, particularly as the state continues to battle inadequate electricity allocation from the national grid despite its enormous contribution to Nigeria’s gas resources.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, explained that the delay in power supply after inauguration was caused by the installation of critical safety gadgets and protective systems designed to safeguard engineers and technical personnel operating the turbine facility.
According to her, the government deliberately delayed full activation of the plant to ensure that all operational and safety standards were properly completed before public distribution commenced.
Energy experts believe that if fully operational and properly managed, the power plant could substantially transform electricity supply within Yenagoa and reduce the city’s longstanding dependence on erratic national grid supply.