Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has revealed plans to inaugurate a 60-megawatt gas turbine and the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in April.
He also said a newly built dual carriageway connecting the New Yenagoa City from the Gbarantoru axis of the state capital is set for commissioning.
Diri made this known on Tuesday in Yenagoa, explaining that the gas-fired power plant located in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, is ready for test-running ahead of its formal inauguration by President Bola Tinubu.
He said the project is expected to boost economic activity and support industrial development across the state.
The governor praised residents for their patience, noting that the project had earlier been scheduled for completion by December 2025.
According to him, the electricity generated will be distributed under a pay-as-you-go billing system to ensure transparency and prevent estimated billing.
“The state’s gas turbine project is 99 per cent completed. I was there today, and I saw things for myself. We are bringing no less a person than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Tinubu, to inaugurate it.
“With what l have seen and been assured, April 2026 will not pass us by. However, we must also test run the facility before it fully comes on stream.
“For 30 years, there has not been a steady power supply in our state, just as the country is currently grappling with frequent power outages. Bayelsans should exercise some patience as we are almost there,” he said.
He added that the state had never previously recorded even one megawatt of electricity generation, while the new project would deliver 60 megawatts—more than double the current supply from the national grid.
Diri further explained that the power supply would support small and medium-scale businesses and enable 24-hour electricity, though consumers would be required to pay for usage since the government must also cover the cost of gas.
On infrastructure, he noted that the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, the longest in the state, was initiated during the tenure of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
He added that it forms part of a larger road network linking to Agge and is expected to be completed depending on funding availability.
Diri also mentioned that the dual carriageway linking New Yenagoa City to the NLNG Road would serve as an alternative route to ease traffic on the Yenagoa-Mbiama corridor. He further disclosed that phase one of the Nembe-Brass road project is targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
He urged political actors to maintain peace and avoid inflammatory remarks as political activities increase in the country.
“Whether you are in government or the opposition, let us keep the peace. We are all brothers and sisters,” he said, stressing that Bayelsa remains peaceful and secure despite wider national challenges.
