Sahara Power Group, in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited, has commissioned the 180 mega watts Afam II Power Plant in Rivers State, reinforcing the critical role of private-sector collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.
Sahara Power Group, a subsidiary of Sahara Group and Crescendough completed the project, which was conceived, managed and delivered in 16 months by predominantly Nigerian expertise.
Commissioning the power plant virtually yesterday, President Bola Tinubu described the facility as an important addition to the national grid and the quest for promoting energy access.
Tinubu, who further described the project as a “key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit”, said the completion of the power plant reinforces the capacity “we have to overcome our challenges – through collaboration, tenacity and renewed hope.”
He commended the Rivers State government for envisioning and enabling the project in pursuit energy sustainability in Nigeria.
The president said, “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.”
Tinubu, who noted that the 180 mega watts added to the national grid through will ignite and drive economic development, said, “Let me emphasise that under my administration, achieving stable power remains an unwavering goal. We will continue to enforce policies that protect investments and prioritize ease of doing business.”
In his speech, group managing director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina said Sahara had for almost three decades, been a foremost stakeholder in Africa’s energy and infrastructure landscape, leveraging the power of collaboration and cohesion of shared aspirations to deliver sustainable energy solutions.
Adesina said the Afam II project would catalyse productivity in Nigeria, powering job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable development.
He said, “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.”
Describing electricity as the backbone of modern economies, Adesina said, “Nothing will give Sahara Group more pleasure than its continuing leadership of efforts geared towards uninterrupted and reliable power supply through long-term strategic investments, operational excellence, and collaboration with like-minded stakeholders.”
He added that Sahara Power is the largest power business in Nigeria, contributing over 20 percent of the power generated in Nigeria through Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited.
The Sahara Power Group boss said, “This translates to powering over 50 million homes, businesses, and industries, making a difference in spurring economic prosperity in the nation. However, this is only a fraction of our vision. Sahara has its sights on a Nigeria wholly transformed and globally competitive, enabled by the wings of sustainable power solutions.”
In his remarks, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), lauded the impressive completion of the plant within a record time of 16 months, describing the feat as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting home-grown solutions
Also, the minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said the project was a significant milestone, adding: “Sahara Energy’s investment in Afam 2 is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between public reforms and private sector and stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in our nation’s quest for energy security.”
On his part, the minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo said his ministry would collaborate with the power ministry to address gas hurdles towards boosting power sustainability in Nigeria.
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