Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
A governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Domor Mienye, has called for a more structured and results-driven approach to infrastructure delivery following delays in the take-off of the recently commissioned 60-megawatt gas turbine project in the state.
The gas-fired turbine, which was inaugurated earlier this month by President Bola Tinubu, is yet to begin supplying electricity to Yenagoa and its environs, with the state government attributing the delay to ongoing installation of critical safety and protective systems.
Reacting to the development, Mienye said while it is important to prioritise safety and long-term sustainability, infrastructure projects—especially in the power sector— power must be delivered in a way that ensures immediate functionality after commissioning.
According to him, “Electricity is not a symbolic project. It is fundamental to economic activity, livelihoods, and the overall productivity of a state. When a power project is commissioned, people expect results—not extended delays.”
He noted the situation highlights a broader challenge in public sector project execution, where emphasis is often placed on commissioning rather than operational readiness.
“Infrastructure delivery must move beyond visibility to functionality. Commissioning should not be the milestone—we should be measuring success by whether the project is actually working and delivering value to the people,” he said.
Mienye, a data scientist and artificial intelligence expert, stressed the need for a systems-based approach to infrastructure development, particularly in the power sector.
He explained that power generation alone is insufficient without proper integration with distribution systems, operational testing, and maintenance planning.
“What we need is an end-to-end execution model. From design to deployment, every stage must be aligned to ensure that once a project is delivered, it works seamlessly. Anything short of that creates delays, inefficiencies, and loss of public confidence,” he added.
While acknowledging the efforts of the state government in investing in the power sector, Mienye urged greater transparency and clearer communication with residents regarding timelines and expected outcomes.
“People deserve clarity. They need to know what is being done, how long it will take, and when they can realistically expect results. That level of transparency builds trust and accountability,” he said.
He further emphasised that reliable electricity remains central to unlocking Bayelsa’s economic potential, particularly in areas such as small businesses, industrial development, and job creation.
“Bayelsa cannot industrialise without power. We must ensure that projects like this are not just completed, but fully operational and sustainable. That is how we move from promise to real development,” he stated.
Mienye added that the current situation should serve as an opportunity to rethink how infrastructure projects are planned and executed in the state.
“This is not about criticism for its own sake. It is about improving how we deliver projects so that they meet the expectations of our people and support long-term growth,” he said.
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