The Bayelsa State Government has explained the reasons behind the delay in achieving the earlier projected December timeline for the delivery of a 24-hour power supply through the state’s Independent Power System, assuring residents that the project remains on course.
In a statement signed by Engr. Olice D. Kemenanabo, Technical Team Lead, the government first expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a dynamic and resourceful leader whose service and legacy would remain deeply cherished by the state and the nation.
The statement clarified that the December timeline earlier announced by Governor Douye Diri was based on technical schedules and delivery projections jointly evaluated and submitted by the project technical team and its partners.
According to Engr. Kemenanabo, the Governor acted in good faith on the information provided, while responsibility for meeting the timelines rested with the technical team and Messrs Jampur, the firm handling critical offshore components of the project.
He noted that Governor Diri demonstrated unwavering commitment to the project by ensuring full financial backing, removing funding constraints at all stages of procurement, shipment, and implementation. The Governor also personally constituted and chaired a high-level committee to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, fast-track approvals, and enhance inter-agency coordination, significantly reducing administrative delays.
The statement disclosed that all power machines were successfully procured, with six units delivered through a chartered shipment and installation commencing immediately. This followed firm assurances that the remaining two units and other vital accessories would arrive within the projected timeframe.
However, the final shipment, which was dispatched under a standard consignment with clear estimated times of arrival, suffered repeated ETA revisions due to operational and logistics challenges beyond the control of the technical team. “In other words, we were at the mercy of the shipping line,” the statement explained.
Engr. Kemenanabo confirmed that the two outstanding machines eventually arrived on December 19, 2025, adding that efforts were currently in top gear to complete their clearance and haulage to Bayelsa State. Despite the setback, the technical team reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and to the successful delivery of the power transformation agenda of the Assured Hope Administration, assuring Bayelsans that further updates would be provided as installation and commissioning progress.