US $549 million for electrification of Bayelsa

Nigeria’s federal government announced on Tuesday 67 billion naira (US $549 million) for electricity projects in the poor and volatile southern state of Bayelsa, ‘The Guardian” newspaper reported.

Information Minister Jerry Gana told reporters in Abuja that the central government would build 123 power lines and connect the state to the national electricity grid.

The announcement follows President Olusegun visit last week to Bayelsa. The state, in the Niger Delta which produces much of Nigeria’s oil wealth, has been pressing the government for the development of its long neglected communities. Gana said primary schools have been revived, more teachers employed, five general hospitals built and a dredging operation was underway to reclaim marshland.

The federal government also announced plans to develop the Bayelsa town of Odi that was destroyed by an army unit send there by Obasanjo in 1999 to restore order after gangs killed 12 policemen. Obasanjo said nothing about rebuilding the town during his tour and was criticised by some Odi residents for his silence. However, Gana said the government was entering into partnership with residents to rebuild the town.

He also said that the government and multinational oil companies operating in the state were together planning the development of Bayelsa. Since Obasanjo came to power, Gana added, Bayelsa had received the local equivalent of $221 million, the highest federal allocation to any state.