Nigeria is set to add 1,250 megawatts to its fragile power grid with the completion of a gas-fired power plant in Ondo state. The project, financed by businessman Deji Adeleke, father of singer Davido, is considered one of the largest private initiatives in the country's energy sector.
The infrastructure, valued at around 2 billion dollars, is already built and only awaits connection to the national gas grid to start operating. Once it is up and running, it will alleviate the continuous power outages that affect homes and industries in a large part of Nigerian territory.
Industry sources estimate that the plant will be able to supply millions of users and will contribute to diversifying energy generation in a country that currently produces between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts for more than 200 million inhabitants. According to analysts, this is a significant step towards reducing dependence on obsolete state infrastructures.
The project will also generate employment: more than 2,000 jobs for engineers, technicians and support staff during the operational phase. It also strengthens the position of Pacific Energy, Adeleke's company, as a major private player in the Nigerian power sector.
During the official announcement, Adeleke lamented the logistical and bureaucratic hurdles that delayed the work, but underlined the potential of the plant to transform the country's energy supply.
Source: businesselitesafrica.com; witnessngr.com