President Bola Tinubu.
By Dianavasi Effiong
President Bola Tinubu declared on Wednesday that the completion and operationalisation of the second power plant in Afam communities in Rivers marked a significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to achieving sustainable electricity supply and industrial transformation.
He said this while commissioning the 180-megawatt Afam II Power Plant.
The plant, located in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the State, is a landmark partnership between Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Sahara Power Group.
The President also described the project as a testament to the blossoming investment opportunities fostered by his administration’s well-structured policies, which prioritised national development and private sector participation.
According to him, the Afam II Plant will not only bolster Nigeria’s power generation capacity by adding 180MW to the national grid, but also energise businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, and households, igniting hope for a brighter economic future.
“The completion of the Afam II Plant within just 16 months reinforces our capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and unwavering commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Achieving a stable power supply remains a top priority for this administration. I have directed the Honourable Minister of Power and all stakeholders in the power value chain to work collectively towards our declaration to light up Nigeria,” he said.
He also commended the state government for its pivotal role in fostering energy sustainability and lauded the investment partners—Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited—for delivering the project.
He urged them to ensure optimal operation and expansion to meet Nigeria’s growing energy demands.
“We solicit the support of all Nigerians as we implement reforms and strategies to transform the power sector. Our administration will continue to enforce policies that attract investments—both local and foreign—to achieve this critical goal,” he said.
In his remarks, the Administrator of Rivers, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), said the project was a product of visionary leadership and private sector empowerment.
He said that President Tinubu’s enabling policies had spurred bold investments across key sectors, including power, agriculture, oil and gas, education, and transportation.
“This power plant reflects the long-standing vision of successive Rivers State administrations to expand energy infrastructure beyond oil and gas, driving industrial growth.
“Beyond boosting electricity supply, this project has created jobs and skills development opportunities for youths in Afam. I commend the host community for their cooperation, proving that peace and development go hand in hand,” he said.
Similarly, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the Afam II Plant as a commendable milestone showcasing the private sector’s pivotal role in enhancing power generation within a conducive business environment.
Also, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, lauded the Rivers State’s sustained investments in energy infrastructure since 2011, which led to the Afam II Plant’s success.
The Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Dr Kola Adesina, said that the partnership had reinforced Sahara’s position as Nigeria’s largest private-sector electricity provider, contributing 20 per cent of the nation’s power supply and driving sustainable development.
The Afam II Power Plant stands as a beacon of progress, underscoring Nigeria’s resolve to achieve energy security, economic growth, and industrial transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
