“24-Hour Power Incoming: Diri Declares Bayelsa Ready for Industrial Takeoff”
By Passman Akpos
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, says the state is on the verge of a major economic transformation as installation work on its 60-megawatt independent gas turbine project enters its final phase, with completion expected by December.
Speaking at the 41st Annual General Meeting and Exhibition of the Bayelsa/Rivers branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Yenagoa on Thursday, Governor Diri said the power project will provide the backbone for sustained industrial growth, enabling 24-hour electricity supply to boost manufacturing and stimulate the local economy.
Describing Bayelsa as “a land of immense potential and promise,” the governor said his administration was creating the enabling environment needed to unlock opportunities across the blue economy, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
He assured investors of the state’s safety, noting that his government has significantly strengthened security through technology-driven surveillance systems, including a centralised CCTV monitoring network.
Diri commended MAN for its resilience and its Made in Nigeria/Nigeria First policy thrust, saying it aligns with his administration’s ASSURED Prosperity agenda.
“Bayelsa is poised to become a hub for industrial growth, and we are eager to work with you to unlock opportunities across the blue economy, agriculture and manufacturing,” he told the gathering.
“For many years, MAN has borne the aspirations of our manufacturing sector under testing circumstances. We celebrate your sacrifice and ingenuity, which continue to sustain enterprise, jobs and livelihoods.”
The governor highlighted ongoing partnerships with global and local industry players — including Jampur Group, China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC), Dangote Group and Innoson Motors — as evidence of the state’s growing reputation as a secure and attractive investment destination.
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge road, the Nembe–Brass road and the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie road, featuring the landmark 630-metre River Nun bridge, which he said are opening new corridors for trade and tourism “all the way to the Atlantic.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye praised the governor for establishing technical and vocational colleges across all local government areas, describing power supply as central to manufacturing growth. He commended the state’s investment in the independent power project and urged the government to remain focused on supporting industrial development.
Also speaking, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Francis Meshioye, called on governors of the Niger Delta region to scale up support for the manufacturing sector to deepen economic growth and sustain peace in the region.
