By Isoko Nation News Team
Ozoro, Delta State — The people of Isoko Nation are once again raising their voices over the prolonged neglect of the 132/33 kV Ughelli–Ozoro Transmission Station, a key power project that has remained incomplete for over 14 years.
A civic group under the Isoko Nation has urged the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Federal Ministry of Power to act immediately, saying the project’s abandonment has plunged entire communities into chronic darkness and economic stagnation.
A Decade of Delay and Broken Promises
The Ughelli–Ozoro transmission project was conceived to improve power supply in Isoko and neighboring Ndokwa communities by connecting them to the national grid through the Ughelli power source.
Construction began more than a decade ago, but despite multiple visits by officials and repeated assurances from both federal and state governments, the facility remains incomplete and non-operational.
“The transmission station was meant to end the long years of erratic power in Isoko land. But for 14 years, we’ve been living on promises and darkness,” lamented one community leader in Ozoro.
Communities Affected
The blackout situation has particularly impacted major towns such as Ozoro, Oleh, Irri, Olomoro, Emede, and Aviara in Isoko South, and Owhelogbo, Oyede, Ofagbe, and Aradhe in Isoko North.
In some areas, residents report having less than 5 hours of power per week, forcing schools, hospitals, and small businesses to depend heavily on fuel-powered generators.
“Many artisans have closed shop because they can’t sustain generator expenses,” said a business owner in Oleh.
“The electricity situation is killing entrepreneurship in Isoko land.”
Economic and Social Implications
The lack of reliable electricity has severely hindered economic progress in the region. Small-scale industries, welding workshops, and even agro-processing businesses rely on power to function effectively. The constant outages have increased operational costs, driving up prices and pushing some entrepreneurs out of business.
Residents also say the power situation is discouraging investment in Isoko, despite the region’s strategic importance as an oil-producing area that contributes significantly to Delta State’s revenue base.
A Call to the Government
The Isoko group called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and federal agencies to intervene swiftly. They emphasized that completing the Ughelli–Ozoro project would not only improve living standards but also boost local industries and youth employment.
“We are not asking for miracles—just the completion of what was started 14 years ago,” the group stated.
“Isoko and Ndokwa deserve electricity that matches their contribution to the national grid.”
The Bigger Picture
The agitation comes amid nationwide criticism of stalled infrastructure projects across Nigeria. Observers note that if the Ughelli–Ozoro transmission line were operational, it could stabilize power supply to thousands of homes and public institutions in Delta State’s central and southern axis.
The group has vowed to keep pressing peacefully until the project sees completion.
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