Uboh, ED REF, REA, Forecast $158m Investments in Delta’s Electricity Bridging Gaps ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

 

The Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Hon. (Engr.) Doris Uboh, has projected that closing electricity access gaps across Delta State could unlock over 31,200 jobs and attract private sector investments estimated at $158 million through mini-grid projects.

 

Speaking at the REA’s State-by-State Roundtable Engagement with Delta State held Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in Abuja, Uboh disclosed that Ndokwa East Local Government Area has the highest number of unserved residents in the state. 

She added that Burutu, Ughelli South, Oshimili North, and Warri South West follow in that order, while Ika South ranks as the most electrified LGA.

 

Presenting detailed electrification data, the former federal lawmaker representing Ika Federal Constituency urged investors to seize the opportunities in Delta’s energy landscape. 

She emphasized that sustainable electrification would not only power households and businesses but also accelerate economic growth and position the state as a renewable energy hub.

 

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Abba Aliyu, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who attended the engagement alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, and other officials, for domesticating the Electrification Act 2023, establishing a state regulatory commission, and strengthening rural electrification structures.

 

Aliyu disclosed that the Agency currently has $1.16 billion earmarked to catalyze renewable energy infrastructure nationwide and urged Governor Oborevwori to attract private sector players to Delta. 

He noted that while the enabling framework has been put in place, actual deployment of projects will depend largely on investor participation.