By Daniel Edu
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to complete the construction of a 350-megawatt power project in the Federal Capital Territory within three years. The project is part of the planned 7,350MW Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant, which is considered crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth.
During the Presidential Groundbreaking ceremony for the 350MW project in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the importance of a strong power sector to drive the country’s economy. He stated that his administration’s first bold step was to establish this power plant, and he urged NNPCL and other relevant agencies to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians and vowed to remove power distribution bottlenecks, making electricity stable and accessible for all. He mentioned that during his presidential campaign, he promised to bring positive change to Nigerians, and the early commencement of this project demonstrated the administration’s determination to reduce power-related hardships.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, highlighted the significant natural gas resources available in Nigeria, with over 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves and a potential reserve of over 600TCF. He emphasized that this power project would allow the country to monetize its abundant natural gas resources, providing greater access to energy to support economic growth, industrialization, and job creation nationwide.
