- Sahara Group project in just 16 months
- Tinubu highlighted the plant’s role as a significant addition to the national grid
- Adesina highlighted Sahara Group’s dedication to collaboration and shared aspirations
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the 180MW Afam II Power Plant, located in Oyigbo, Rivers State.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the project was completed in just 16 months by Sahara Power Group, a subsidiary of the Sahara Group, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited, demonstrating the power of private-sector collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.
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During the virtual inauguration ceremony, Tinubu highlighted the plant’s role as a significant addition to the national grid and the country’s ongoing efforts to improve energy access.
He noted that the now fully operational plant would help power homes, businesses, industries, and stimulate economic growth.
Describing the project as a “key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit,” the President said the successful completion of the plant reinforces Nigeria’s capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and renewed hope.
Tinubu acknowledged the Rivers state government’s commitment to energy sustainability and their support in making the project a reality.
He added, “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.”
While noting that the 180MW addition to the national grid would ignite and drive economic development, 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.”
Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, emphasized the company’s nearly three decades of experience as a major stakeholder in Africa’s energy and infrastructure sectors during his address.
Adesina highlighted Sahara Group’s dedication to collaboration and shared aspirations in delivering sustainable energy solutions across the continent.
He stated that the Afam II Power Plant project is set to play a pivotal role in catalysing productivity in Nigeria by driving job creation, fostering industrial growth, and promoting 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.
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 underscored the company’s prominent position as Nigeria’s largest private power business during his address. Sahara Power Group contributes over 20 per cent of the country’s power generation through its operations at 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 said.
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 appreciated the Presidency and Federal Ministry of Power for their policy leadership, and the Rivers State Government was commended for its instrumental role in the project.
Furthermore, he also extended appreciation to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Afam host communities for their unwavering support.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), applauded the plant’s completion within just 16 months.
He attributed this achievement to Tinubu’s dedication to implementing home-grown solutions, highlighting the potential for rapid development when Nigerians come together to address challenges and collaborate on vital projects.
“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.
Also speaking, 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 said.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, also pledged his ministry’s collaboration with the power ministry to address gas supply challenges in order to boost power sustainability in Nigeria.
