By Our Reporter

Disturbed by the unsteady power supply in virtually every part of the country, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has Declared State of Emergency In Power Sector.

President Tnubu made this declaration on Wednesday while commissioning a 180 Megawatts Afam II Power Plant in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, in a bid to boost power supply across the country.

The President, while commissioning the facility yesterday reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment in ensuring stable power supply.

He noted that the completion and operationalization of the second power plant in Afam communities, marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable electricity supply and industrial transformation.

The President described the project as a testament to the blossoming investment opportunities fostered by his administration’s well-structured policies, which prioritize national development and private sector participation.

He emphasized that the plant will not only bolster Nigeria’s power generation capacity, but will also energize 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 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,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu also commended the Rivers 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 said, “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.”

The Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, said Sahara had for almost three decades, been the foremost stakeholder in Africa’s energy and infrastructure landscape, leveraging the power of collaboration and cohesion of shared aspirations to deliver sustainable energy solutions.

Adesina said the Afam II project will catalyse productivity in Nigeria, powering job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

He described electricity as the backbone of modern economies. “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.”

“Nothing will give Sahara Group more pleasure than its continuing leadership of efforts geared towards uninterrupted and reliable power supply through long-term strategic investments, operational excellence, and collaboration with like-minded stakeholders.”

Adesina stated that Sahara Power is the largest power business in Nigeria, contributing over 20 percent of the power generated in Nigeria through Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited.

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

“However, this is only a fraction of our vision. Sahara has its sights on a Nigeria wholly transformed and globally competitive, enabled by the wings of sustainable power solutions,” he said.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas on his part, commended the impressive completion of this plant within a record time of 16 months, describing the feat as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting home-grown solutions

“To Sahara Group and its partners, I say a hearty congratulation. You have demonstrated that indigenous enterprise is alive, capable, and resilient.

“Your investment here speaks volumes of your confidence in our economy, and in Rivers State as a viable destination for large-scale, high-impact ventures,” he said.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who also spoke stated that the Afam II project is a testament to the positive benefits of the public sector reforms and private sector collaboration.

“Sahara Energy’s investment in Afam II is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between public reforms and private sector and stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in our nation’s quest for energy security.”

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said his ministry would collaborate with the power ministry to address gas hurdles towards boosting power sustainability in Nigeria.

Ekpo extended gratitude to the Presidency and Federal Ministry of Power for policy leadership, the Rivers State Government for its pioneering role in the project, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Afam host communities for their unwavering support towards bringing the Afam II project to fruition.