By Austin Ogwuda
THE endless drama over the age-long issue of Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) Step down controversy continues to rage while the people of Ndokwa communities remain in darkness.
Few hours from now, 2026, an electioneering campaign year beckons. Trust the politicians, expect another hype on this very issue as veritable campaign tool.
But it is a matter of grave concern that whilst several States in the country including, Enugu, Anambra, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory FCT have been receiving electricity from the Federal Government’s IPP in Okpai community, located in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta, Nigeria, for the past 20 years, the host – Ndokwa communities are still in darkness despite all assurances – including the two weeks timeline promised by the Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme since June
What a hoax!
Curiously, another dimension is being added to the hullabaloo, some Ndokwa Stakeholders are now laying claim to the effect that they have successfully reached out to the federal government officials in charge of the step down after waiting in vain as promises upon promises seem to have failed.
Recall that Nwoko had publicly claimed that he was the brain child, spearheading the realisation of the project, to a logical conclusion.
It is no longer news that he clashed with the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s government over the issue especially in a leaked video where he carpeted the governor for allegedly rebuffing his (Nwoko) proposals on how to achieve feasible actualisation.
But the curious angle, now, is the latest information, which, invariably, gave birth to the headline above.
President General of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Chief Amechi Asuguni, according to Gilbo Communications, disclosed “the Union’s engagement with the Minister of Power and Energy on the Okpai IPP Stepdown project was successful, expressing optimism that the intervention would translate into improved electricity supply for host communities”.
He was quoted while speaking at the 2025 Ndokwa Annual General Conference organised by the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) on Tuesday.
Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme who represented the governor at the event didn’t think it wise to apologize to his people why the promise he made on Arise Television months ago that light would be restored within two weeks since June this year failed.
Rather, he, rhetorically said, “As it concerns power, we are fully aware of the importance of the Okpai Step-down project. We are working in synergy with federal authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the people who host the light also see the light in their homes and businesses”.
No further elaborations!
How Onyeme and other top politicians fought hard to prevent ‘Light Up Ndokwa Nation’ protests in June this year
Onyeme and other leaders made frantic efforts to abort that protest assuring that the governor had issued orders for the Ndokwa communities to be connected to the national grid within two weeks, yet the protesting youths weren’t convinced and actually went ahead.
Addressing newsmen after the protest, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads)/ Public Information, Charles Aniagwu stated that “The Okpai power project is not a State government project. We can only begin to make an effort to see how we can begin to benefit and that is ongoing.
“I am also aware that the Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Monday Onyeme, who is from the Ndokwa nation, has been mandated by the governor to begin to look into how we can ensure that our brothers and sisters over there get connected.
“They have had several meetings with them, and an effort is being made to deal with the challenges between the then Power Holding Company before it moved to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company as to how to settle certain outstanding liabilities so that they can begin a process of getting them reconnected to the grid.
“Because there was an absence of power as power distribution channels along that corridor were being energized, some criminals tampered with the power infrastructure in that corridor. It is now a question of providing certain power or energy infrastructure for them to be effectively connected”.
But despite Aniagwu’s laborious explanation, there were dissenting views from the Ndokwa people, who, said that they were not enthused by that arrangement as they did not request a connection to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
They maintained that what they want is for the federal government to step down power from the Okpai Power Plant to the Ndokwa communities.
Period!
Nwoko, Oborevwori tangle
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District had earlier on clearly accused Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of sidelining him in matters concerning the State, particularly in the northern senatorial district, which he represents.
Nwoko also alleged that the governor misrepresented facts regarding the Okpai Independent Power Project (IPP), a project initiated by him (Nwoko) to benefit not only Delta North but the entire State.
Speaking through his Director of Communications, Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, Senator Nwoko expressed disappointment at the governor’s claim that the Okpai IPP project was not discussed with him.
Nwoko criticised the governor for what he described as an attempt to distort facts about the project.
The Senator emphasised the importance of the IPP project and reiterated his commitment to ensuring its success for the benefit of Delta State residents.
According to Nwoko’s mouthpiece, Gloria Okolugbo, “The Okpai IPP is a project of immense importance to the people of Delta North and Delta state at large, and Senator Nwoko has been unwavering in his pursuit of its progress. He has been a relentless advocate for the Okpai power step-down project to ensure that Delta North communities benefit from the electricity generated in their region.
“His efforts include, presenting evidence to the Senate and securing a Senate resolution supporting the project. Engaging with the Minister of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN to expedite federal intervention, meeting with oil and gas companies, and conducting on-site tours of the Okpai power plant to push for local electrification.
“Throughout these processes, Senator Nwoko kept the Governor informed, it is inconceivable that the Senator would go to great lengths and engage all stakeholders without discussing the project with the Governor, a fellow party man whose election he took great risks to campaign for, even after securing his senatorial seat
“Why would the Senator suggest funding options, including guarantees to financiers, if he has not discussed the project with the Governor? The Governor is expected to provide the needed guarantees on behalf of the government. It stands to reason that the senator undoubtedly discussed the Okpai step-down project with the Governor
“The Governor’s consistent response has been that the State lacks funds due to loan repayments from the previous administration. Is the Governor now denying the existence of these loans or the ongoing repayments? If funding is a challenge, why has the Governor not prioritized critical infrastructure projects for Delta North?
“The Senator had engaged the Governor on this project repeatedly, alongside other pressing developmental concerns critical to Delta North, including the Ogwashi-Uku Dam and the Asaba-oko-Okpai-Abboh road. Despite these repeated conversations, no assurance was given”, she remarked.
Governor Oborevwori fires back
Then came the opportunity to personally tell his side of the story was when the leaders of Ndokwa Neku Union, led by the distinguished Brigadier General Mike Ndubuisi (rtd) paid him a courtesy visit at Government House.
Governor Oborevwori said, “Sometimes as a Governor you will hear and see some things but choose not to respond. I saw a video that went viral where the Senator representing Anioma Nation, Senator Ned Nwoko, said he discussed the Okpai IPP with me. The only time that Ned came to see me was to solicit for appointment for his people which I granted.
“When I saw the video, I just smiled. Maybe he didn’t know that the video would go viral.
“Today, I had an excellent audience with the leadership of the Ndokwa Neku Union, led by the President-General, Brigadier-General Mike Ndubisi (rtd), during a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba. We discussed critical road infrastructure, education, empowerment, job opportunities for our youths, the progress we have made so far, and our future plans.
“As a government committed to inclusiveness, I assured the delegation that the Ndokwa nation is not and would not be neglected by our administration”.
As we enter 2026, a period of electioneering campaign, hope Okpai IPP would not be used as campaign material.
The question begging for an answer is: when will there be light in Ndokwa, that lays the golden egg?
Nwoko’s efforts
The Townhall investigation showed that Nwoko brought up the Okpai IPP issue in the Senate in March 2024.
And sequel to his Motion on the floor of the Senate, the Senate directed its Power Committee to look into the issue and take appropriate action to address the delay in delivering 100 megawatts of electricity to communities in the Delta North senatorial district.
To benefit the communities in the Delta North, the Red Chamber urged the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Federal Ministry of Power to supply electricity from the Okpai IPP.
Nwoko, in his lead debate told the parliament that “Nigeria has 23 power-generating plants, also known as Independent Power Plants, interconnected with the national grid. Together, these plants can produce 11,165.4 megawatts of electricity. The Okpai Independent Power Plant in Delta State is one of these establishments.
“This power plant”, he went on, “operates a functional 930-megawatt gas-fired power generation facility that contributes to Nigeria’s power supply grid. At the time of the plant’s commissioning in 2005, it generated only 480 megawatts of electricity.
“Nevertheless, it played a crucial role in the national power distribution system in Nigeria by supplying electricity to nine distant states in the country, including Anambra, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, among others.
“Also aware that Okpai Independent Power Plant has been upgraded to provide a functional 930 megawatts of electricity, with an understanding to increase the power supply to host communities from 50 to 100 megawatts. This extension will include host community beneficiaries from the entire Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State.
“To enhance its electricity supply, the Transmission Company of Nigeria awarded a contract worth approximately N4.2 billion in 2021 for the construction of a 132 KV double circuit transmission line”, he stated.
He however wondered the unexplained delay in its actualisation.
Enough of the power game, playing to the gallery and blame game syndromes.
Between Governor Oborevwori, Senator Ned Nwoko and Ndokwa leaders, who is actually on the driver’s seat to drive this important project to destination point devoid of showmanship and supremacy battle?
