Eleven Nigerian power plants to be completed by Q1 2014

• 10 years ago (2013-08-28)
• Junior Isles

Africa 303

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Nigerian Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has confirmed that all 11 power plants currently being constructed by the Nigerian government will be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

Maku said that seven of the plants had already been completed, while additional effort would ensure others would be finished by first quarter 2014. Some 150 out of the 220 planned sub-stations were also finished, he said.

Maku expressed optimism that the privatisation of the power sector would enhance power delivery efficiency in a similar manner to the improving telecoms sector.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has recently assured Nigerians that they will soon begin to enjoy the benefits of power sector privatisation, with the successful conclusion of the sale of generation and distribution companies.

“We are currently in a transition phase in which the sector is being positively transformed. The sale of our generation and distribution companies is almost concluded. Finally, everyone has paid and in the shortest possible time, our power sector will take on a much more positive life of its own for the benefit of all Nigerians”, he said in a statement published by his special advisor.

Jonathan also confirmed that all the successful bidders for the power generation and distribution companies, bar one, had completed the payments required to complete the process, which was conducted in line with globally acceptable standards and best practice.

“We are fully conscious of the centrality and importance of adequate power supply for our developmental efforts. We have challenges in the sector but we are constantly working to overcome them.”