Nigeria will achieve stable electricity to power its growth, Tinubu assures
… Pledges relief for vulnerable Nigerians amid economic hardship … Also stronger federal-state partnership for development … Commissions IPP, roads, bridges in Bayelsa President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday assured
... Pledges relief for vulnerable Nigerians amid economic hardship
... Also stronger federal-state partnership for development
... Commissions IPP, roads, bridges in Bayelsa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that his administration will deliver stable electricity capable of powering economic growth, industrialisation and national development.
Speaking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during the commissioning of major infrastructure projects, the President acknowledged the challenges in the power sector but expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and investments would yield results.
“I assure Nigerians that we will have electricity to power our growth,” he declared, stressing that reliable power remains central to economic expansion and improved living standards.
The President also pledged that his administration would continue to find ways to ease the hardship facing vulnerable Nigerians, particularly amid rising fuel costs and global economic pressures.
“We will not look back. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable. This is a government that cares,” Tinubu said, noting that relevant ministries are already reviewing fiscal measures to cushion the impact on citizens.
Earlier, the President inaugurated several landmark projects, including a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, aimed at improving electricity supply and accelerating industrial growth in the Niger Delta.
The power facility, executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, is designed to strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on the national grid and delivering stable electricity to homes and businesses.
Powered by gas turbines, the plant will primarily supply electricity to Yenagoa and surrounding communities, with officials projecting that it will unlock new investment opportunities, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and drive economic diversification in the oil-rich state.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Tinubu described the IPP as a critical intervention in addressing persistent electricity challenges in the region.
“There can be no industrialisation and skill development and empowerment without power. That is a vision,” he said.
The President also toured the facility, inspecting key infrastructure including turbines, transformers and distribution systems to assess its operational readiness.
The 60MW IPP is widely seen as a strategic response to longstanding electricity deficits in Bayelsa, where erratic supply has historically slowed economic activities and forced reliance on diesel and petrol generators.
Energy experts say subnational power projects like the Elebele IPP are becoming increasingly important as states explore alternative solutions to Nigeria’s national grid constraints by leveraging local resources such as natural gas.
Beyond the power project, Tinubu commissioned key road infrastructure, including the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie road, dual carriageways, and bridges linking previously isolated communities.
He commended Governor Diri for what he described as purposeful and progressive leadership, noting that the projects would create jobs, expand economic opportunities and improve connectivity.
“Thank you for that commitment and thank you for being a very progressive governor. To the people of Bayelsa, I must tell you I’m very happy and proud to be here and to feel at home,” he said.
The President said the projects underscored the importance of synergy between federal and state governments.
“Development advances further, faster when the federal government and the state government work in partnership and towards a shared purpose,” he stated.
Responding to the governor’s request for reimbursement on federal roads executed by the state, Tinubu said: “I hear you, Douye. Federal road, okay, I will take it with me when I’m going.”
On security, the President assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry, even as he paid tribute to fallen soldiers.
“We will work hard. We will continue to equip and train our men and women of the armed forces. We will defeat terrorism and banditry, regardless of their shenanigans,” he said.
He reiterated that governance must translate into tangible benefits for citizens, including infrastructure, jobs and improved quality of life.
“In construction, you have water suppliers, welders, concrete mixers — all contributing to job creation. We will continue to support that,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Diri appealed to the President to approve refunds for federal roads constructed by the state, noting that the projects were part of his administration’s “Assured Prosperity” programme.
He said the initiative focuses on rural and urban development, accessibility and inclusion, citing projects such as the outer ring road from Elebele to Igbogene, Glory Drive Phase II, intra-city connectivity, a nine-storey civil service secretariat, and a 30,000-capacity international stadium.
Diri described the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie road as a long-awaited project that has ended years of isolation for communities in Southern Ijaw.
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“A story of connection long denied, but finally pursued,” the governor said, noting that the area was previously accessible only by water.
He added that the newly commissioned projects would significantly boost economic development and improve livelihoods across the state.
The event attracted top dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Hope Uzodimma, Governor Umo Eno, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur.
Others in attendance were the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, Bayelsa Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, among other officials.
President Tinubu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging continued cooperation across all levels of government.
“Nigeria will be great, and we will succeed,” he said.
