President Bola Tinubu virtually inaugurated the 180MW Afam II Power Plant in Rivers State, a project completed by Sahara Power Group and Crescendough Nigeria Limited, boosting Nigeria’s energy capacity

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, virtually inaugurated the 180MW Afam II Power Plant located in Oyigbo, Rivers State.

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The significant project was completed by Africa’s largest private power business, Sahara Power Group, in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited, reinforcing the critical role of private-sector collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions in the country.

Sahara Power Group, a subsidiary of the global energy and infrastructure conglomerate Sahara Group, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited conceived, managed, and delivered the project in a remarkable 16 months, predominantly utilising Nigerian expertise.

President Tinubu described the new facility as an important addition to the national grid and a key step in Nigeria’s efforts to improve energy access.

He noted that the now fully operational plant would help power homes, businesses, and industries, thereby driving economic growth.

Describing the project as a “key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit,” the President highlighted that the successful completion of the plant reinforces Nigeria’s capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and renewed hope.

Tinubu also commended the Rivers State Government for envisioning and enabling the project in pursuit of energy sustainability.

“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.

While noting that the 180MW addition to the national grid would ignite and drive economic development, President Tinubu stressed, “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.”

Earlier in his address, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, shared that Sahara has been a major stakeholder in Africa’s energy and infrastructure space for nearly three decades.

He highlighted the company’s commitment to collaboration and shared aspirations in delivering sustainable energy solutions.

Adesina asserted that the Afam II project would catalyse productivity in Nigeria by driving 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 said.

Sahara’s Vision for Nigeria

Describing electricity as the backbone of modern economies, Adesina added, “Nothing gives Sahara Group more satisfaction than leading efforts geared towards uninterrupted and reliable power supply through long-term strategic investments, operational excellence, and collaboration with like-minded stakeholders.”

He further noted that Sahara Power is Nigeria’s largest private power business, contributing over 20 per cent of the country’s power generation through Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited.

“This translates to powering over 50 million homes, businesses, and industries, making a real difference in driving economic prosperity in the nation.

However, this is only a fraction of our vision. Sahara envisions a Nigeria that is fully transformed and globally competitive, empowered by sustainable power solutions,” he concluded.

Adesina also mentioned ongoing expansion plans at Egbin Power—the largest private thermal plant in sub-Saharan Africa—alongside innovative upgrades at Ikeja Electric, tech-driven generation at First Independent Power Limited, and planned investments in alternative and renewable energy to support environmental sustainability.

“Sahara Power remains unwaveringly committed to lighting up Nigeria and Africa, responsibly and sustainably,” he affirmed.

He extended gratitude to the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Power for their policy leadership, the Rivers State Government for its pivotal role, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Afam host communities for their support in making the project a reality.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), praised the impressive completion of the plant within just 16 months, calling it a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to home-grown solutions. “To Sahara Group and its partners, I say hearty congratulations.

You have shown that indigenous enterprise is alive, capable, and resilient. Your investment here reflects confidence in our economy and in Rivers State as a viable destination for large-scale, high-impact ventures,” Ibas said.

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the project as a significant milestone. “Sahara Energy’s investment in Afam II is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between public reforms and the private sector. It stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in our nation’s quest for energy security,” he stated.