President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the 180MW Afam II Power Plant, located in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking during the inauguration of the plant on Wednesday, the President said the project is an important addition to the national grid.
President Tinubu, who spoke virtually from Abuja, also stated that the project is part of the country’s efforts to improve energy access, noting that the plant, which is now fully operational, would help power homes, businesses, and industries, as well as drive economic growth.
According to Tinubu, the successful completion of the plant reinforces Nigeria’s capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and renewed hope.
He commended the Rivers State Government for supporting the project to achieve energy sustainability.
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.”
The plant was completed by Sahara Power Group in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited.
The project was initiated and completed in 16 months.
In his address, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, said Sahara has been a major stakeholder in Africa’s energy and infrastructure space for nearly three decades.
He highlighted the company’s commitment to collaboration and shared aspirations in delivering sustainable energy solutions.
Adesina said the Afam II project would accelerate productivity in Nigeria, boost job creation, foster industrial growth, and promote sustainable development.
He said, “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.”
Adesina revealed 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.
He thanked the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Power for their leadership, the Rivers State Government, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TRCN, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and the Afam host communities for their support in making the project a reality.
On his part, the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, commended the completion of the plant within just 16 months.
Ibas called it a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to home-grown solutions.
He said, “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.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the project as a significant milestone, saying, “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.”
