The steady investment by the Rivers State government over the years seemed to get national acclaim on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, when Afam 2 was commissioned to add another 180mw to the national grid.
Rivers State began during Dr Peter Odili days to invest in power generation through the gas turbine system. Dr Odili built the Omoku and Trans-Amadi turbines but laws over power distribution caused ripples.
Rt Hon Chubuike Rotimi Amaechi who succeeded him built Afam power plant before Sahara Power Group that acquired it added Afam 2 to double the capacity to 360mw.
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Afam 2 was flagged off (virtually) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas on hand to collect the glory on behalf of the state government.
Both Tinubu and Ibas described Afam II power plant commissioning as reinforcement of Nigeria’s sustainable electricity vision.
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Nigerian President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that the completion and operationalization of the second power plant in Afam communities, Rivers State, marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable electricity supply and industrial transformation.
President Tinubu made this assertion while commissioning the 180-megawatt Afam II Power Plant, a landmark partnership between Sahara Power Group and Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) located in Afam in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The President described the project as a testament to the blossoming investment opportunities fostered by his administration’s well-structured policies, which he said prioritize national development and private sector participation.
He emphasized that the Afam II Plant will not only bolster Nigeria’s power generation capacity by adding 180MW to the national grid but also energize businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, and households, igniting hope for a brighter economic future.
The President stated thus: “The completion of the Afam II Plant within just 16 months reinforces our capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and unwavering commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.
President Tinubu further stated; “Achieving stable power supply remains a top priority for this administration. I have directed the Honourable Minister of Power and all stakeholders in the power value chain to work collectively towards our declaration to light up Nigeria.”
The President commended the Rivers State Government for its pivotal role in fostering energy sustainability and lauded the investment partners—Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited—for delivering the project. He urged them to ensure optimal operation and expansion to meet Nigeria’s growing energy demands.
“We solicit the support of all Nigerians as we implement reforms and strategies to transform the power sector. Our administration will continue to enforce policies that attract investments—both local and foreign—to achieve this critical goal,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, Ibas, the Administrator of Rivers State, hailed the project as a product of visionary leadership and private sector empowerment. He noted that President Tinubu’s enabling policies have spurred bold investments across key sectors, including power, agriculture, oil and gas, education, and transportation.
“This power plant reflects the long-standing vision of successive Rivers State administrations to expand energy infrastructure beyond oil and gas, driving industrial growth,” Vice Admiral Ibas said.
“Beyond boosting electricity supply, this project has created jobs and skills development opportunities for youths in Afam. I commend the host community for their cooperation, proving that peace and development go hand in hand.”
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the Afam II Plant as a commendable milestone showcasing the private sector’s pivotal role in enhancing power generation within a conducive business environment.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, applauded Rivers State’s sustained investments in energy infrastructure since 2011, culminating in the Afam II Plant’s success.
Dr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, highlighted that the partnership reinforces Sahara’s position as Nigeria’s largest private-sector electricity provider, contributing 20% of the nation’s power supply and driving sustainable development.
The Afam II Power Plant stands as a beacon of progress, underscoring Nigeria’s resolve to achieve energy security, economic growth, and industrial transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The role of the Afam community in creating peace and enabling environment was fully appreciated by all stakeholders that spoke at the event.
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