Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced that the state is on the verge of becoming a major industrial hub as its independent power plant moves closer to full operation.
The installation of the 60-megawatt gas turbine procured by the state government is expected to be completed by December, marking a significant step toward delivering uninterrupted power to drive manufacturing and economic expansion.
Speaking on Thursday at the 41st Annual General Meeting and Exhibition of the Bayelsa/Rivers branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Yenagoa, Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with manufacturers and partners to unlock opportunities across the blue economy, agriculture and the wider industrial sector.
Describing Bayelsa as a land of immense potential and promise, the governor said his administration has prioritized creating an enabling environment for investors by providing 24-hour electricity and executing massive infrastructure projects to stimulate the local economy.
He assured stakeholders that the state was safe for investment, noting that his administration has invested heavily in security infrastructure, including the deployment of technology-driven surveillance through CCTV systems monitored from a central command centre.
overnor Diri commended MAN’s Made-in-Nigeria and Nigeria-First policy agenda, emphasizing its alignment with his administration’s ASSURED Prosperity blueprint.
“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 said. “For many years, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has borne the aspirations of our nation’s manufacturing sector under exceptionally testing circumstances. We acknowledge and celebrate your sacrifice, tenacity and ingenuity.”
He stated that strategic partnerships with firms such as the Dubai-based Jampur Group, China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation, as well as local giants like Dangote Group and Innoson Motors, were boosting Bayelsa’s profile as a secure and attractive destination for investment.
Highlighting an “infrastructure revolution,” the governor listed iconic projects including the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge Road, the Nembe–Brass Road, and the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie Road — topped by the 630-metre bridge across the River Nun — all of which are opening new corridors of trade, commerce and tourism to the Atlantic coastline.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye praised the governor for establishing technical and vocational colleges across all local government areas, stressing that access to skilled manpower and stable power were critical to manufacturing.
He applauded the state’s investment in the independent power project and urged continued focus on the sector.
President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, in his remarks, called on governors across the Niger Delta region to support manufacturing in order to drive sustainable economic growth and maintain peace.
