President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated the 180-megawatt Afam II Power Plant located in Rivers State, marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The project, which was completed through a strategic partnership between Sahara Power Group and Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL), represents a landmark achievement in the nation’s pursuit of energy sustainability and private sector-driven development.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, drew key stakeholders from Nigeria’s energy sector and beyond. President Tinubu, who performed the inauguration virtually, described the Afam II Power Plant as a shining example of the “enterprising Nigerian spirit” and a testament to the country’s ability to overcome challenges through collaboration, innovation, and determination.
“The successful completion of this project reflects the renewed hope and tenacity of our people,” the President stated. “This 180 megawatts of electricity being added to our national grid will energize industries, support economic activities, and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.”
He commended the Rivers State Government for its pivotal role in supporting the project’s development and lauded the commitment of Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited for bringing the ambitious vision to life.
“Nigeria salutes your investment, your expertise, and your faith in our energy future,” President Tinubu said.
The Afam II Power Plant was conceived, developed, and delivered within just 16 months, with the project execution driven largely by indigenous professionals. This swift delivery, according to stakeholders, underscores the capacity and resilience of local enterprise.
Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), the Administrator of Rivers State, praised the rapid completion and noted that the project symbolizes President Tinubu’s commitment to harnessing home-grown solutions to national challenges.
“To Sahara Group and its partners, your accomplishment affirms the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurship. Your investment speaks volumes about your confidence in Rivers State and the national economy,” he remarked.
Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Mr. Kola Adesina, highlighted the company’s long-standing contribution to Nigeria’s energy landscape, revealing that Sahara Power currently accounts for over 20% of Nigeria’s power generation, with over 50 million people impacted through assets like Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited.
“This milestone is not just about megawatts,” Adesina emphasized. “It is about the lives we transform, the jobs we create, and the enduring impact we make through responsible energy delivery.”
He reaffirmed Sahara’s commitment to deepening its energy investments, including planned expansion at Egbin Power—the largest private thermal power plant in sub-Saharan Africa—upgrades at Ikeja Electric, and new projects in renewable and alternative energy.
“Our vision is a globally competitive Nigeria, powered by sustainable and accessible energy. Sahara Power is fully aligned with this aspiration,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, hailed the power plant as a tangible outcome of effective public-private collaboration. He described Sahara Group’s involvement as “a beacon of progress and innovation in the national energy landscape.”
Also present was Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), who assured stakeholders of his ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Power to resolve gas supply challenges and ensure stable, long-term electricity generation.
Adesina concluded by thanking the Federal Ministry of Power, Presidency, Rivers State Government, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Afam host communities for their unwavering support throughout the lifecycle of the project.
“This achievement belongs to all of us. It proves what we can accomplish when we unite behind a shared vision,” he said.
With its inauguration, the Afam II Power Plant stands not only as an infrastructural milestone but as a symbol of what Nigeria can achieve through visionary leadership, strategic investment, and empowered local capacity.
As President Tinubu reiterated, achieving stable, reliable power remains a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda, and projects like Afam II serve as stepping stones toward that goal.