President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the 180-megawatt Afam II Power Plant in Oyigbo, Rivers State, describing the project as a major step towards achieving Nigeria’s energy security and industrial transformation.
The project, developed through a partnership between Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Sahara Power Group, was completed in 16 months and adds 180MW to the national grid. Tinubu said the plant underscores his administration’s commitment to expanding electricity access under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This plant reinforces our determination to deliver stable electricity through collaboration and focused policies,” Tinubu stated. “Power remains a top priority, and I have directed the Power Ministry and stakeholders to intensify efforts to light up Nigeria.”
He commended the Rivers State Government and the private sector partners—Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and CNL—for driving the project, urging continued expansion to meet rising energy demands.
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, said the project exemplifies effective collaboration between government and investors. He praised the Tinubu administration’s investment-friendly policies, which he said are catalyzing growth in power, agriculture, oil and gas, education, and transportation.
“This power plant reflects our long-standing vision of extending infrastructure beyond oil and gas, creating jobs and industrial capacity in Rivers State,” Ibas said.
Also speaking, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu described the project as evidence of the private sector’s role in national energy development. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted Rivers State’s sustained investment in energy infrastructure since 2011.
Sahara Power Group Managing Director, Dr. Kola Adesina, noted that the company now contributes 20% of Nigeria’s electricity supply, reaffirming its role in supporting national development.
The commissioning of Afam II marks a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s push for sustainable electricity and economic growth through private-sector-driven initiatives.
