Today marked a significant stride in Nigeria's pursuit of enhanced energy access and economic growth, as President Bola Tinubu virtually commissioned the 180MW Afam II Power Plant in Oyigbo, Rivers State. This monumental achievement, brought to fruition by the collaborative efforts of Sahara Power Group and Crescendough Nigeria Limited, stands as a testament to the nation's capacity for innovation and private-sector ingenuity. Completed in a remarkable 16 months, the project, largely driven by Nigerian expertise, injects crucial capacity into the national grid, promising to energize homes, businesses, and industries, thereby fostering economic development.
President Tinubu lauded the Afam II plant as a "key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit," highlighting how its successful completion underscores Nigeria's ability to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and a renewed sense of hope. He extended his appreciation to the Rivers State Government for its foundational vision and enabling role, and to the private sector partners – Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited – for their transformative investments and expertise. The President reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to achieving stable power, pledging to continue enforcing policies that safeguard investments and prioritize ease of doing business.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, emphasized the company's long-standing dedication to Africa's energy and infrastructure landscape. He articulated that the Afam II project transcends a mere 180MW addition, representing a celebration of impact, transformed lives, and the privilege of responsibly delivering energy. Adesina underscored electricity as the bedrock of modern economies, expressing Sahara Group's profound satisfaction in spearheading efforts towards uninterrupted and reliable power supply through strategic investments, operational excellence, and synergistic partnerships. He proudly stated that Sahara Power, through Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, already contributes over 20 percent of Nigeria's power generation, powering millions of homes and businesses.
Looking ahead, Adesina detailed ambitious expansion plans for Egbin Power, innovative upgrades at Ikeja Electric, and planned investments in alternative and renewable energy, all reinforcing Sahara Power's unwavering commitment to responsibly and sustainably illuminating Nigeria and Africa. He also extended gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Power, the Rivers State Government, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the supportive Afam host communities.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, commended the impressive completion timeline, seeing it as a reflection of President Tinubu's dedication to homegrown solutions.
He lauded Sahara Group and its partners for showcasing the vitality, capability, and resilience of indigenous enterprise, noting their investment as a strong indicator of confidence in Nigeria's economy and Rivers State as a prime destination for impactful ventures. Similarly, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, hailed the project as a significant milestone, acknowledging Sahara Energy's investment in Afam II as a testament to the fruitful synergy between public reforms and the private sector, and a beacon of progress in the nation's pursuit of energy security. Complementing these sentiments, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, pledged his ministry's collaboration with the power ministry to address gas supply challenges, thereby bolstering power sustainability across Nigeria.
The commissioning ceremony brought together a distinguished array of dignitaries, including Executive Director, Sahara Group, Ade Odunsi and Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Managing Director, Ohutu Gas Trading, Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, and representatives from the Afam host communities, including the Wife of Afam Paramount Ruler, Okoloma-Afam Community, Lolo Theresa Dike and Paramount Ruler, Okoloma-Afam Community, Executive Alex Dike (JP), all witnessing a pivotal moment in Nigeria's energy landscape.
