Residents of Akeddei community in Bayelsa State have decried years of erratic electricity supply, revealing that the area sometimes goes as long as four months without power, severely impacting livelihoods and economic activities.
The community, however, is expressing cautious optimism as the long-awaited ‘All On’ solar hybrid mini-grid project nears completion, with expectations that it will significantly improve electricity access.
Speaking with journalists, a resident, Willie David, described the situation as unbearable, noting that unreliable power supply has crippled small-scale businesses in the area.
He explained that while many businesses have shut down due to the challenges, others that rely on alternative power sources such as generators are struggling with high operational costs.
Similarly, another resident, Ebedi Sowerei, highlighted the broader social impact, stating that the lack of electricity has forced many young people to migrate in search of better opportunities, as local businesses can no longer sustain them.
Despite the hardship, Sowerei expressed hope in the ongoing mini-grid project, noting that the community has been actively involved in its development. According to him, local youths have participated in construction and site preparation, while selected individuals are undergoing training to manage the facility upon completion.
Providing insight into the project, Communications Lead at All On, Toun Odetola, said the Akeddei mini-grid is part of the second phase of a broader electrification initiative targeting underserved communities in the Niger Delta.
She disclosed that the project is expected to deliver approximately 1,058 electricity connections and is designed to support productive users such as small businesses, artisans, and service providers who depend on reliable power.
Odetola emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, aiming to enhance economic productivity, reduce reliance on costly energy alternatives, and improve overall community resilience.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Darway Coast Ltd, Henry Ureh, described the project as a sustainable solution to the long-standing power challenges faced by rural and riverine communities.
He noted that with millions of Nigerians still lacking reliable access to grid electricity, mini-grid systems offer a practical and cost-effective alternative, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
Ureh expressed confidence that the Akeddei project would bring measurable improvements to residents’ quality of life while unlocking new economic opportunities for the community.
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