By Yahaya Umar
President Bola Tinubu says the newly commissioned 180-megawatt Afam II Power Plant in Rivers State will be a critical milestone in Nigeria’s energy and industrial transformation agenda.
The project, executed through a partnership between Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Sahara Power Group, is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s power generation capacity, providing electricity to homes, businesses, and industries.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Oyigbo Local Government Area on Wednesday, President Tinubu emphasized that the completion of the plant within 16 months demonstrates the success of his administration’s policies in fostering private-sector-led infrastructure development.
“This project is proof that with collaboration, tenacity, and commitment, we can overcome our energy challenges,” the President said.
“The Afam II Plant will not only add 180MW to the national grid but also stimulate economic growth, empower businesses, and improve healthcare and education through reliable electricity,” he added.
He reiterated his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, charging the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure nationwide power stability.
On his part, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Mr Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, praised President Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for investments, noting that the project aligns with the state’s long-term vision to expand energy infrastructure beyond oil and gas.
“This plant is a testament to what visionary leadership and private-sector collaboration can achieve,” Mr Ibas said. “Beyond power generation, it has created jobs and upskilled youths in the Afam community, setting a precedent for future projects.”
He also commended the host community for their cooperation, stating that peaceful engagement was key to the project’s success.
The Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Dr. Kola Adesina, highlighted that the company remains Nigeria’s largest private-sector electricity provider, contributing about 20 per cent of the nation’s power supply. He affirmed that the Afam II Plant reinforces Sahara’s commitment to sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, applauded Rivers State’s sustained investments in energy infrastructure since 2011, which laid the foundation for the Afam II project.
The Afam II Power Plant is expected to play a crucial role in reducing Nigeria’s electricity deficit, supporting industrialization, and improving living standards. President Tinubu assured Nigerians of more reforms to attract further investments into the power sector.
“We will continue to enforce policies that make Nigeria a prime destination for energy investments, both local and foreign,” he declared.
