In a resolute move towards fortifying Nigeria’s power sector and igniting economic growth, President Bola Tinubu issued a compelling directive on Friday. He commanded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to finalize the construction of the 350 megawatts power project within a swift three-year span. This crucial proclamation was made during the Presidential Groundbreaking event for the 350MW project, marking the inaugural phase of the ambitious 7,350MW Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant in the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu underlined the indispensability of the 350MW power plant for the nation’s economic advancement. He emphasized that this milestone marks his administration’s primary stride towards nurturing a robust power sector capable of propelling the entire economy.
Addressing Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, President Tinubu conveyed, “A three-year project must be three years. Nigerians are watching and they are anxious for all promises made to be kept.” His words reflected the nation’s eager anticipation for tangible results and accountability in achieving set targets.
Calling upon key players in Nigeria’s power landscape, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Transmission Company of Nigeria, and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, President Tinubu urged a collective effort to ensure the timely completion of the project. Reassuring the citizens, he stated, “I’m reassuring Nigerians that this government is determined to improve your lives.”
This determination to uplift the lives of Nigerians aligns with President Tinubu’s campaign promise to ensure a stable electricity supply throughout the nation. In his words, “All power distribution bottlenecks will be removed.” The swift initiation of this project signifies the administration’s earnest resolve to enact positive transformations in the lives of Nigerians. The President emphatically stated, “This administration will reduce power-related hardship in Nigeria.”
The head of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, illuminated the substantial natural gas resources available in Nigeria, encompassing over 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves with the potential for more than 600TCF. Expressing NNPCL’s perspective, Kyari articulated, “As a commercial enterprise, NNPC views this project as an opportunity to harness our abundant natural gas resources. By expanding access to energy, we aim to stimulate economic growth, foster industrialization, and catalyze job creation across the nation.”
President Tinubu’s directive echoes a fervent commitment to power up Nigeria’s economic engine through a robust power sector. With unwavering dedication, the nation looks ahead to the completion of the 350MW power project, a transformative milestone that will catalyze progress and prosperity.
