Sahara Power and Crescendough Commission 180MW Afam II Plant, Bolstering Nigeria’s Grid
Nigeria has taken a major step toward solving its power crisis with the launch of the 180MW Afam II Plant in Rivers State, built in just 16 months by Sahara Power and Crescendough.
Praised by President Tinubu as a victory for local expertise and innovation, the project is set to power industries, create jobs, and boost national energy capacity.
The 180 megawatt Afam II Power Plant in Oyigbo, Rivers State, was successfully put into service by Sahara Power Group and Crescendough Nigeria Limited, marking a significant advancement in the country’s long-standing electricity shortage. The facility, completed in just 16 months using largely Nigerian expertise, represents a landmark achievement for the country’s energy sector, with both public and private partners hailing it as a model for sustainable power development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu virtually inaugurated the plant, describing it as a triumph of Nigerian ingenuity and collaboration. He applauded the Rivers State Government for laying the groundwork and Sahara Power, Crescendough Nigeria Limited, and First Independent Power Limited for bringing the vision to life.
“This project exemplifies the enterprising Nigerian spirit,” Tinubu stated. “With 180 megawatts added to our grid, we are taking concrete steps toward stable and reliable electricity.”
Kola Adesina, group managing director of Sahara Power Group, emphasized the broader significance of the project beyond mere power generation. He said the new plant is expected to drive industrial expansion, job creation, and overall socioeconomic development. “This is more than just adding megawatts. We are celebrating lives that will be transformed, communities that will thrive, and a nation that can now dream bigger,” Adesina remarked.
Adesina claims that Sahara Power, through companies like Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, currently generates more than 20% of the nation’s electricity. This means that over 50 million homes, companies, and industries are powered.
“We are committed to seeing Nigeria become a global benchmark in energy access and infrastructure.”
The Administrator of Rivers State, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, hailed the project’s rapid completion as a sign of President Tinubu’s commitment to indigenous solutions and resilient infrastructure. He praised the Sahara-led team for its bold investment and for reinforcing the state’s viability as a destination for transformative energy projects.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, echoed this sentiment, noting that the project demonstrates the critical role of the private sector in achieving national energy goals.
“Afam II is proof that with the right policies and partnerships, Nigeria can meet its electricity demands,” he said.
Also weighing in, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, assured that his ministry will continue working alongside the Ministry of Power to ensure a reliable gas supply and overall energy sustainability.
Adesina further revealed Sahara Power’s plans to expand operations at Egbin Power, upgrade infrastructure at Ikeja Electric, the largest distribution company in Sub-Saharan Africa, and increase investments in renewable energy projects. These efforts, he said, are central to Sahara’s mission of delivering long-term, sustainable energy across Africa.
Gratitude was extended to the federal government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and the host communities of Afam for their support throughout the project.
With the successful delivery of the Afam II Power Plant, Nigeria takes a crucial step forward in the journey toward energy security and industrial rejuvenation. It is a shining example of what can be achieved through a shared vision, strong leadership, and strategic private-sector investment.
