The Multi Billion Naira Zungeru power Project in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, is set to be commissioned by the First quarter of 2023. The Nigerian Minister of Power, Engineer Abubakar Aliyu, stated this during an inspection visit to the Power Plant in Zungeru Local Government Area of the State.
The Power project estimated at $1.2 billion is expected to add 700 Mega Watts of electricity to the national grid.
The Minister who was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane revealed that the project is at 98% completion stage.
Engineer Aliyu who went around the major operating units of the power project pointed out that work on the 3 of the turbines each producing 175 Mega Watts of electricity has been completed and tested.
The Minister further stated that the Zungeru Power Project was part of the Nigerian Government strategies to reposition power generation in phases in the country.
The statement said the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane who accompanied the minister to Zungeru for the inspection, said the state government has demonstrated “a high level of commitment to the implementation of the project because apart from electricity generation it has abundant agricultural potential for the host communities to harness.”
He mentioned that Zungeru Power Project is a multi-purpose electricity project that has abundant agricultural potential for the host communities to harness.
The Zungeru power Project Manager, Mr. Abiy Getahun, stated that the initial challenges of COVID-19 and insecurity that hindered the smooth running of the project have been addressed.
The minister also inspected the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Switchyard at Gusase, a distance of about 30 kilometres from the plant
The Zungeru Dam is the first dam in the country constructed using the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) innovative dam design technology with the main benefit being a reduction in the overall construction period and embankment footprint when compared to a typical gravity dam.