President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned the 180MW Afam II Power Plant in Oyigbo, Rivers State, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s power sector.
The project, completed by Sahara Power Group in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited, was delivered within 16 months using predominantly Nigerian expertise.
Speaking virtually from Abuja, President Tinubu described the plant as “a key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit” that would enhance national grid capacity and economic growth.
“This 180MW addition to our national grid will power homes, businesses, and industries while driving our economic development agenda,” the President stated. “Let me emphasize 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.”
Tinubu commended the Rivers State Government for facilitating the project and praised private sector partners Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited for their investments. “You have transformed this great vision into reality. Nigeria salutes you,” he added.
Sahara Power Group’s Managing Director, Kola Adesina, highlighted the company’s three-decade commitment to Africa’s energy sector, noting the Afam II project would catalyze job creation and industrial growth.
“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 organization to bring energy to life responsibly,” Adesina said.
He revealed Sahara currently contributes over 20% of Nigeria’s power generation through assets like Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, powering approximately 50 million homes and businesses.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), praised the rapid 16-month completion as evidence of indigenous capability, while Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu described the plant as “a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s energy security quest.”
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo pledged enhanced gas supply collaboration to support power sustainability. The project reinforces private sector participation in achieving Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
