Bayelsa 60MW Power Plant Nears Completion, Diri Assures 24-Hour Electricity from March 2026
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver stable and uninterrupted electricity supply, announcing that the state’s 60 megawatts gas turbine power project will be commissioned in March 2026, with expectations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will preside over the ceremony.
The governor made this disclosure during the Ayakoro Annual Festival in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area, where he addressed residents and stakeholders on the progress of the Bayelsa power project.
“By March, we are hoping that the President himself will come and commission our 60 Megawatts Gas Turbine Project. We will have 24 hours Electricity in Bayelsa State,” he declared to loud applause from the gathering.
PulseNets learnt that the 60MW gas turbine project forms a critical component of the Bayelsa Independent Power Plant initiative designed to strengthen power generation capacity and reduce reliance on the national grid. The project involves the acquisition, installation, and integration of gas turbines to deliver round-the-clock electricity supply across the state.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, six out of the eight gas turbines were delivered and installed before the end of 2025, while the remaining two units and key accessories arrived in early 2026. The installation site at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area has recorded significant progress, with the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited indicating that the project has surpassed 95 percent completion.
Governor Diri had earlier addressed concerns regarding delays in the timeline. PulseNets reported that the project, initially projected for completion before the end of 2025 with expectations of pre-Christmas activation, was adjusted to align with final technical and logistical processes.
In mid-February 2026, the governor reiterated that the turbines would be operational for residents immediately after commissioning, emphasizing the economic and social impact of stable power supply. He maintained that consistent electricity would reduce dependence on generators, lower household and business energy costs, attract investments, create employment opportunities, and stimulate broader economic growth in Bayelsa State.
PulseNets gathered that the Independent Power Plant project is one of the flagship legacy initiatives of the Prosperity Administration, alongside major infrastructure developments such as sports facilities and housing schemes aimed at repositioning Bayelsa as a viable investment hub in the Niger Delta region.
During previous inspections of the facility, the governor clarified that electricity generated from the plant would be provided on a paid basis, though at improved reliability levels compared to persistent grid failures. He stressed that the project represents a structural upgrade to the state’s power architecture rather than a temporary intervention.
Also Read: Bayelsa 2026 Budget: Diri to Spend N1.2bn on Foreign Trips, N500m on VIP Hosting, N100m on Christmas Decorations
Residents across the state have continued to express optimism about the development. PulseNets observed increased online engagement and community discussions highlighting progress at the Elebele site, with many describing the 24-hour electricity promise as a transformative step for businesses and households alike.
Should President Tinubu perform the commissioning, the event would further elevate the project’s national profile, aligning Bayelsa’s power reforms with broader federal energy security and infrastructure expansion objectives.
