The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta Chapter, Olumayowa Idowu, has called on state governments across Nigeria to take charge of their energy future.
Idowu said the recent inauguration of the Bayelsa State power plant offers a replicable model for subnational energy development.
He made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
On Friday, President Bola Tinubu commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, over a series of infrastructure projects inaugurated across the state, describing them as transformative.
The projects include the 60MW Bayelsa Gas Turbine, the dualised New Yenagoa City Road 1, the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, and the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road.
Speaking during the inauguration, Tinubu praised the state government’s investments in power, roads, and bridges, noting that such projects would boost economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
Reacting to the project, Idowu described the Bayelsa project as “a commendable and forward-thinking initiative” that signals a strategic shift in how states can approach electricity supply.
“The key lesson is that states must begin to take responsibility for their energy future. With the evolving regulatory framework that now empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, there is no better time than now for state governments to act,” Idowu said.
From a technical standpoint, Idowu said the plant demonstrated effective deployment of gas-to-power technology, well-suited to Bayelsa’s natural gas endowment and reflected a decentralised energy model that enhances reliability and reduces dependence on the national grid.
“This is a clear departure from over-dependence on the national grid, which has been overstretched for decades,” he said.
On economic impact, the engineer said a reliable power supply was the backbone of industrialisation, adding that the plant positioned Bayelsa as a potential investment hub while reducing the cost burden of self-generation on households and businesses.
He also noted expected improvements in healthcare, education, and ICT service delivery across the state.
Idowu urged policymakers to ensure that engineers are central to the planning and execution of such projects and that clear frameworks for operation, maintenance, and expansion are put in place from the outset.
“Systems must not only be built, but they must also be efficient, safe, and sustainable,” he said.
He described the development as consistent with what he termed “Engineering for Impact”, the application of engineering knowledge to solve real societal problems.
He expressed optimism that “if replicated across states, Nigeria would move closer to achieving energy security and sustainable development”.
“Bayelsa has demonstrated leadership. I strongly urge other states to take a cue from this initiative. Energy infrastructure is not optional, it is fundamental to development,” Idowu said.