- President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the AFAM II Power Plant, a 180MW facility, on June 4.
- Tinubu further noted that the 180MW added to the national grid would ignite and drive economic development.
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the AFAM II Power Plant, a 180MW facility, on June 4. The project is considered the most ambitious project to date by Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited in a landmark move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity.
The AFAM II Power Plant project was conceived, managed, and delivered in 16 months by predominantly Nigerian expertise. As the nation grapples with the challenges of energy transition and reliability, the commissioning of the AFAM II plant is seen as a bold step forward.
Industry stakeholders are also watching the AFAM II plant as a model for future investments in Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure. Located in Rivers State, the AFAM II Power Plant marks a significant milestone for FIPL, a key player in Nigeria’s power sector.
The plant is structured in two phases, designed to enhance grid stability and support economic expansion across the Southern corridor of the country and beyond.
Tinubu’s virtual inauguration from Lagos underscores the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s persistent power supply challenges and fostering industrial growth. During the virtual commissioning, the President highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in the nation’s power sector.
He lauded FIPL for its sustained investment and operational excellence, which, according to him, reflect the possibilities that exist when public-private partnerships are leveraged for national development.
“Energy is the lifeblood of any modern economy. Today’s commissioning of AFAM II is more than just a ceremony—it is a signal that Nigeria is on the right track toward solving its electricity challenges,” the President said.
He commended the Rivers State Government for envisioning and enabling the project in pursuit of energy sustainability in Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu further noted that the 180MW added to the national grid would ignite and drive economic development.
“Let me emphasise that under my administration, achieving stable power remains an unwavering goal. We will continue to enforce policies that protect investments and prioritise ease of doing business,” the President stated.
Also, the Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Dr. Kola Adesina, explained that 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 stressed that the Afam II project will catalyse productivity in Nigeria, powering job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable development.
“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,” he added.
Adesina said with ongoing expansion plans in Egbin Power, the largest private thermal plant in sub-Saharan Africa, innovative upgrades and transformation at Ikeja Electric, the largest power distribution company in Sub-Saharan Africa, tech-driven generation in First Independent Power Limited and planned investments in alternative and renewable energy solutions to support environmental sustainability, “Sahara Power is unwaveringly committed to lighting up Nigeria and Africa responsibly and sustainably.”
First Independent Power Limited, a wholly Nigerian-owned company, operates four major gas turbine power plants in Rivers State—Afam, Omoku, Trans Amadi, and Eleme. These facilities contribute significantly to the national grid, helping to alleviate the country’s energy deficit.
Furthermore, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the project was a significant milestone, adding, “Sahara Energy’s investment in Afam II is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between public reforms and the private sector and stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in our nation’s quest for energy security.”
Adelabu stated that the project was a product of that bold reform agenda made possible because of Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to universal power energy access for all Nigerians.
The newly inaugurated AFAM II plant is expected to supply electricity to both industrial and residential areas, bolstering energy access and creating thousands of indirect jobs through its multiplier effects on businesses and services.
Stakeholders across the energy sector have welcomed the development, describing it as a much-needed injection of capacity into the country’s underperforming power grid.