President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving stable and reliable electricity in Nigeria, describing it as a non-negotiable national goal.
Speaking virtually on Wednesday at the commissioning of the 180-megawatt (MW) Afam II power plant in Rivers State, the president hailed the facility as a testament to Nigerian resilience and collaboration. The plant, developed by Sahara Power Group (SPG) in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL), adds significant capacity to the national grid.
“This project is a key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit,” Tinubu said. “Its completion reinforces the capacity we have to overcome our challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and renewed hope.”
The president praised the Rivers State government for its vision in enabling the project and commended private sector partners, including Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and CNL, for turning the vision into reality.
“Nigeria salutes you,” Tinubu said. “You have transformed this great vision into reality. The 180MW being added to the grid through this project will ignite and drive economic development.”
He reaffirmed that power sector reform remains central to his economic agenda. “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.”
A Milestone for Public-Private Collaboration
Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, described the project as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reform.
“Sahara Energy’s investment in Afam II is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between public reforms and the private sector,” he said. “It stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in our nation’s quest for energy security.”
Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), also pledged that his ministry would work closely with the Ministry of Power to resolve gas supply challenges and enhance the sustainability of Nigeria’s power sector.
Sahara Power: “More Than Megawatts—It’s About Impact”
Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, reflected on the company’s nearly three-decade role in Africa’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
“This milestone for us is more than the 180MW of additional power,” Adesina said. “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 reaffirmed Sahara’s long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria’s power goals through strategic investment, operational excellence, and enduring partnerships.
