The Bayelsa State Government has explained the reasons behind the delay in achieving the earlier announced December timeline for the delivery of a 24-hour power supply through the state’s Independent Power System, attributing the setback largely to logistics and shipping challenges beyond its direct control.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Technical Team Lead of the project, Engr. Olice D. Kemenanabo, who also expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a dynamic and resourceful leader whose legacy will remain deeply valued.
According to the statement, the December timeline earlier pronounced by Governor Douye Diri was based strictly on technical schedules and delivery projections jointly evaluated and submitted by the technical team and its partners. Governor Diri, it said, relied on these projections in good faith, while the responsibility for meeting the timelines rested with the technical team and Messrs Jampur, the firm handling a significant portion of the project, particularly offshore components.
Engr. Kemenanabo noted that the governor demonstrated strong commitment to the project by ensuring full financial backing, effectively removing funding as a constraint throughout procurement, shipment, and implementation stages. He added that the governor also personally constituted and chaired a high-level committee to fast-track approvals, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance inter-agency coordination.
“All the machines were successfully procured, and six of them were delivered through a chartered shipment, after which installation commenced immediately,” the statement said. “This was based on firm assurances that the remaining two units and other critical accessories would arrive within the projected timeframe.”
However, the final shipment, which was sent under a standard consignment with clear estimated times of arrival (ETAs), reportedly experienced multiple revisions due to operational and logistics factors attributed to the shipping line.
“In other words, we were at the mercy of the shipping line,” the statement explained.
The technical team confirmed that the remaining two machines eventually arrived on December 19, 2025, and that efforts were ongoing to fast-track their clearance and haulage to Bayelsa State.
Despite the delay, the government reassured residents of its commitment to transparency and to delivering on the power transformation agenda of the Assured Hope Administration, promising to provide further updates as installation and commissioning progress.
