President Bola Tinubu has officially commissioned the 180MW Afam II Power Plant in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, marking a significant addition to Nigeria's national electricity grid.
Speaking virtually from Abuja during Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized that the project represents a crucial step in the country's ongoing efforts to improve energy access and reliability across the nation.
Boosting National Energy Capacity
The President highlighted that the now fully operational power plant will help energize homes, businesses, and industries while driving economic growth in the region and beyond.
"The successful completion of this plant reinforces Nigeria's capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and renewed hope," Tinubu stated, commending the Rivers State Government for its support in achieving energy sustainability goals.
The President also acknowledged the private sector partners involved in the project, saying, "I equally commend the private sector partners, Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited, for their investments and expertise. You have transformed this great vision into reality. Nigeria salutes you."
Swift Implementation and Indigenous Enterprise
Remarkably, the Afam II Power Plant was completed in just 16 months by Sahara Power Group in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited, demonstrating efficient project execution.
Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, emphasized that the company has been a major stakeholder in Africa's energy and infrastructure space for nearly three decades. He noted that the Afam II project would accelerate productivity in Nigeria, boost job creation, foster industrial growth, and promote sustainable development.
"This milestone for us is more than the 180MW of additional power. We are celebrating impact, transformed lives, and the privilege we have as an organisation to bring energy to life responsibly," Adesina remarked.
Future Energy Expansion Plans
Adesina also revealed ongoing expansion plans at Egbin Power, the largest private thermal plant in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside innovative upgrades at Ikeja Electric and tech-driven generation at First Independent Power Limited. He mentioned planned investments in alternative and renewable energy to support environmental sustainability.
The sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, praised the swift completion of the plant, calling it a testament to President Tinubu's commitment to home-grown solutions.
"To Sahara Group and its partners, I say hearty congratulations. You have shown that indigenous enterprise is alive, capable, and resilient. Your investment here reflects confidence in our economy and in Rivers State as a viable destination for large-scale, high-impact ventures," Ibas stated.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the project as a significant milestone, noting that "Sahara Energy's investment in Afam II is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between public reforms and the private sector. It stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in our nation's quest for energy security."
