By DESMOND EJIBAS

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed 180 megawatts (MW) Afam II Power Plant, located in Afam community, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers.

The President, who inaugurated the project virtually from Abuja, described the plant as a crucial addition to the national grid and a vital step in the country?s drive towards stable electricity supply.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the power plant was conceptualised and delivered by First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), a subsidiary of the Sahara Power Group, in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited.

Tinubu stated that the project was completed in a record time of 16 months and reflects ongoing efforts to ensure Nigeria?s energy security through collaborative and result-driven initiatives.

?The Afam II Power Plant stands as a testament to the solid foundation laid by the Rivers State Government in promoting energy sustainability through private sector involvement.

?The 180 megawatts now added to the national grid extends beyond power generation. It stimulates economic growth, energies homes, businesses, industries, hospitals, and ignite hope for a better Nigeria,? he said.

The President reiterated his administration?s commitment to achieving reliable power supply across the country, emphasising the importance of ensuring stable and affordable electricity in every Nigerian household.

He noted that he had charged the Minister of Power, NNPCL, state governments, and other stakeholders in the power sector to collaborate closely in addressing the country?s energy needs.

?My administration is fully conscious of the challenges confronting the power sector, including gas supply constraints, liquidity concerns, and outdated transmission infrastructure, among others.

?These issues are being addressed through reforms and strategic actions to ensure a sustainable and robust power supply for Nigerians,? he added.

Tinubu assured both local and foreign investors of the Federal Government?s continued support and commitment to improving the business environment and transforming the power sector.

He commended Sahara Power Group and its partners for their strategic investments in Nigeria?s power infrastructure and praised the Rivers Government for its enabling role in facilitating the project.

Earlier, Dr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, stated that the Afam II project would serve as a catalyst for productivity by promoting job creation, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth.

He highlighted Sahara?s long-standing role in Africa?s energy and infrastructures sectors, emphasising its commitment to delivering long-term, sustainable energy solutions to Nigerians.

?Our commitment goes beyond contributing 180MW to the grid. We are celebrating the positive impact this project will have on lives and communities.

?We are proud to bring light into Nigerian homes and energies progress,? Adesina said.

Adesina added that electricity remained the foundation of prosperous economies and expressed the group?s determination to lead initiatives that secure reliable power supply in Nigeria.

According to him, Sahara Group is the largest private power provider in Nigeria, accounting for over 20 per cent of national power generation through its operations in Egbin Power Plant and FIPL.

?This translates to powering over 50 million homes, businesses, and industries, thereby playing a key role in Nigeria?s economic prosperity,? he said.

Adesina, also an Executive Director at Sahara Group, disclosed the ongoing expansions at the Egbin Power Plant, upgrades in Ikeja Electric, and plans to invest in alternative and renewable energy solutions.

Retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, Sole Administrator of Rivers, commended Sahara Power Group for completing the project within 16 months.

He attributed the company?s success to President Tinubu?s commitment to supporting infrastructure investment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

?Sahara Power Group and its partners have demonstrated that indigenous enterprises are capable, resilient, and instrumental to national progress.

?Their investments reaffirm confidence in the Nigerian economy and positions Rivers State as a viable destination for large-scale, high-impact ventures,? Ibas said.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the Afam II project as a significant milestone in Nigeria?s pursuit of uninterrupted electricity supply.

?This plant stands as a symbol of progress and innovation in our national energy strategy and exemplifies collaboration between public policy reforms and private sector investment,? Adelabu stated.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (GAS), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, pledged the ministry?s commitment to ensuring regular gas supply to support the country?s energy demands. (NAN)

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