Delta State Renewable Energy MoU with REA will deliver power to 386,000 residents, unlock $158m investment, and drive rural economic growth

Delta State Renewable Energy strategy received a major boost on Wednesday as the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy off-grid and renewable energy solutions across underserved communities.

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The deal is expected to provide electricity to over 386,000 residents through 120,217 new connections, attract \$158 million in private sector investment, and contribute to the state’s \$2.9 billion GDP.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, speaking at the roundtable themed “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, described the agreement as central to his administration’s MORE Agenda and its 2024–2027 development plan.

“Electricity access is a cornerstone for productivity, investment, and improved livelihoods,” Oborevwori said. “Off-grid renewable solutions such as solar and wind power present huge opportunities for sustainable development and rural transformation.”

The governor assured investors of a business-friendly environment, pledging to remove bureaucratic barriers. He also highlighted progress on an 8.5MW independent power plant in Asaba designed to serve government institutions.

Delta’s plan includes solar-powered mini-grids, solar farms, hybrid solar-wind systems, and flexible energy-as-a-service models. Oborevwori emphasized that reliable power enhances healthcare, education, industries, and job creation while opening profitable opportunities for investors.

REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu said the agency had mapped 471 potential mini-grid sites across Delta, including 83 in Ndokwa East alone.

“On average, a village in Delta can have 255 connections, making it highly attractive for mini-grid investments,” he noted, adding that the projects could create over 31,000 jobs and electrify 120,000 buildings.

Aliyu also praised Delta’s strategy and pointed to \$1.16 billion in nationwide REA funds as well as prospects for a \$53 billion, 600MW solar panel assembly plant.

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The MoU marks a milestone in Delta State Renewable Energy ambitions, with both the government and REA confident that the collaboration will accelerate rural development, attract green investments, and significantly reduce the state’s power deficit.