Electricity is set to receive a boost as the Federal Government has said that has said it is ready to 700 megawatts of electricity to the national grid at the completion of the Zungeru Hydro Power Plant in Niger State.
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this in a statement, saying the project being executed by a consortium of major Chinese companies, will be one of the biggest hydropower projects in the country.
“It is a great and feasible feat that would boost the provision of electricity supply nationwide.
“It is a good omen for the attainment of the present administration’s thrust of providing incremental, sustainable and uninterrupted power supply which Nigerians are yearning for.“
Fashola lauded the committment of project partners and the host community, urging them to continually give their support.
He said that government had put in place modalities to ensure adequate compensation and resettlement of those affected by the project site.
The Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, was represented by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Abdulmalik Cheche.
“Niger State is housing yet another power project of 700MW; apart from the three other power projects already sited in the state, namely, Jebba, Kainji and Shiroro,“ he was quoted as saying.
He commended the Federal Government for the project, noting that it had already created over 5,000 employment opportunities for the host communities.
Vice President of one of the constructing companies handling the project, Mr Xiao Jun, promised consistency in project terms whilst ensuring quality in its delivery.