President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday virtually commissioned the 180MW Afam II Power Plant in Rivers State, describing the feat as a symbol of Nigeria’s capacity to solve its energy challenges through collaboration and resilience.
The power plant, developed by Sahara Power Group in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited, boosts Nigeria’s available power supply to 5,801MW and marks a major step forward in private sector-led energy expansion.
“This is a key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit,” President Tinubu said during the virtual flag-off. “You have transformed this great vision into reality. Nigeria salutes you.”
He commended the Rivers State Government for its enabling support and praised the consortium of Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough for their investment and technical delivery. “Achieving stable power remains an unwavering goal under my administration,” Tinubu added.
The event in Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area, brought together top government officials and industry leaders including Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina.
Adesina celebrated the milestone as more than just a boost in megawatts. “We are celebrating impact, transformed lives, and the privilege we have as an organisation to bring energy to life responsibly,” he said.
According to Adesina, the plant was conceived, managed, and completed in just 16 months, relying heavily on Nigerian expertise. He said Sahara Power now contributes over 20% of Nigeria’s generated electricity through assets like Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited—powering over 50 million homes, businesses, and industries.
“To Sahara Group and its partners, I say a hearty congratulations,” said Ibok-ete Ibas, Rivers State Sole Administrator. “You have demonstrated that indigenous enterprise is alive, capable, and resilient.”
Minister Adelabu called the commissioning “a significant milestone” that showcases what public-private partnership can achieve. Ekperikpe Ekpo, his counterpart in the gas ministry, pledged continued cooperation to ensure a reliable gas supply to power Nigeria’s energy future.
The Afam II plant is now fully operational, feeding energy into the national grid and poised to power homes, businesses, and industries across the country.
