Tinubu Commissions 180MW Afam II Power Plant, Lauds Private Sector Initiative

Oluwafisayo Olaoye
4 Min Read

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the Afam II Power Plant, a 180-megawatt facility located in Oyigbo, Rivers State, underscoring his administration’s push toward stable electricity and economic growth through public-private collaboration.

The inauguration, which took place virtually on Wednesday, marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector. The project was spearheaded by Sahara Power Group, in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited, and delivered in just 16 months—utilizing mostly Nigerian talent and expertise.

President Tinubu, in his address during the virtual ceremony, praised the project as a “symbol of Nigerian ingenuity and resilience.” He emphasized its role in supporting national development goals by powering homes, industries, and businesses, while also creating jobs and fostering economic expansion.

“This project reflects the spirit of collaboration and determination that defines our national vision,” Tinubu said. “The completion of Afam II reaffirms our commitment to achieving a more stable and efficient power supply for all Nigerians.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Rivers State Government and commended Sahara Power Group and its affiliates for translating vision into impact.

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“We are proud of what Sahara Power, Crescendough, and First Independent Power Limited have accomplished here,” Tinubu added. “You’ve demonstrated the potential of the private sector to lead in delivering strategic infrastructure.”

Sahara Power Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, highlighted the broader significance of the Afam II plant, calling it more than just a technical feat. According to him, the project will fuel industrial growth, job creation, and sustained development across sectors.

“At Sahara, we are not just generating electricity—we are enabling livelihoods,” Adesina said. “This milestone speaks to our mission to responsibly deliver energy that transforms communities and economies.”

He further noted that Sahara Power, through its various operations including Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, contributes more than 20% of Nigeria’s electricity generation. Their operations power an estimated 50 million homes and businesses.

In addition to Afam II, Adesina mentioned the company’s ongoing investments in renewable energy, system upgrades at Ikeja Electric, and future plans to modernize thermal and alternative power infrastructure.

Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), praised the rapid completion of the project and described it as a testament to local capability and federal leadership. He said the success of the project reflects confidence in Nigeria’s economy and reinforces Rivers State’s appeal as a destination for large-scale investments.

“I congratulate Sahara and its partners for proving that homegrown solutions can deliver big results,” Ibas said.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also described the project as a landmark achievement. He said the Afam II plant serves as a model for how private investment can complement government efforts in achieving energy security.

“The Afam II initiative represents a breakthrough in our energy landscape,” Adelabu said. “It’s proof that with the right policies and private sector commitment, Nigeria can meet its growing power demands.”

Echoing this sentiment, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, reaffirmed the government’s readiness to address the gas supply chain needed to sustain power generation and ensure long-term grid reliability.

The commissioning of Afam II stands as a strong signal of progress under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—illustrating how strategic partnerships can move Nigeria closer to reliable, affordable electricity for all.

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