The Delta State Government has announced that it will establish the Delta State Electricity Regulatory Commission (DSERC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (DSREA) before the end of the year.
- +Delta sets sights on year-end power overhaul, marine economy boom
- +Leveraging the marine economy
- +Empowering fishing communities
This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to reform the state power sector, expand electricity access, and attract private investment.
This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to reform the state power sector, expand electricity access, and attract private investment. Government officials, regulators, and private sector stakeholders discussed these strategies during a panel session at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026.
Panelists disclosed that the government is collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and investors to operationalise both institutions before year-end. Furthermore, public consultations will precede the rollout of the state electricity framework, followed by an investor toolkit outlining regulatory requirements and opportunities.
Leveraging the marine economy
During the summit, Blue Economy discussant Ronke Kosoko urged the Delta State Government to prioritise the development of its inland waterways to drive investment, job creation, and long-term revenue.
Kosoko stated that Delta possesses the natural assets to become Nigeria’s leading marine economy, provided there is deliberate execution rather than mere policy creation. She highlighted that the Federal Government has already established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and approved the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy (2025–2034), leaving states to leverage their comparative advantages.
Delta’s extensive waterways present vast opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, inland water transport, boat building, and logistics. Kosoko pointed to Lagos State as a model, noting that strategic investment in inland waterways has attracted hundreds of millions of euros while expanding transport businesses.
Empowering fishing communities
To enhance financing and support, Kosoko advocated for the enumeration of artisanal fisherfolk using the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Equipping traditional fishing communities with modern boats, cold-chain infrastructure, and efficient transport networks will boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase incomes. She also called for better integration between agriculture and waterways to facilitate the efficient transport of agricultural produce across Nigeria and other African countries.
