Sovereign Fund Commits N50 Billion to Boost Power Generation

• Sovereign Fund Commits N50 Billion to Boost Power Generation

A subsidiary of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), InfraCredit, has opened a N50 billion 600MW Shiroro Hydro Electric Infrastructure Green Bond to boost the plant and power generation nationwide.

Launched in partnership with GuarantCo, KfW Development Bank and Africa Finance Corporation, the deal is covered by the North South Power Company Limited’s (NSP) N8.5 billion 15-year 15.60 per cent Series 1 Guaranteed Fixed Rate Senior Green Infrastructure Bonds Due 2034, operator of the 30-year concession programme.

In a statement, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NSP, Dr. Olubunmi Peters, relished the milestone move.

The Chief Executive Officer, InfraCredit, Chinua Azubuike, noted: “With the completion of the Series 1 Guaranteed Green Infrastructure Bond issuance, the company has established a long envisioned link with a more sustainable long-term, local currency financing required to implement its ambitious strategic power generation expansion plan through the capital markets.

“Infrastructure assets like Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant generate social, environmental and economic impact such as contributing to greenhouse gas emission reduction, revitalising disenfranchised areas, improving access to services and creating employment.

“Shiroro Hydro is an extremely essential and resilient asset with a 30-year consistent production history. North South Power, with the acquisition of a 30-year concession in 2013, has demonstrated the competence and ability to deliver on its business targets from restoring capacity target to 600MW and a 45 per cent increase in power generation.”

He added: “We believe that a sustainable and inclusive implementation of the eligible customer framework in a manner that generates economic benefits for all stakeholders will accelerate the industry’s strategic growth. With the success of this first-in-kind transaction, InfraCredit has further demonstrated its pioneering commitment to promoting financial inclusion.

Fund Manager, African Local Currency Bond Fund, James Doree remarked: “The first corporate green bond in Nigeria, issued by North South Power and supported by InfraCredit, sets a benchmark for the domestic and regional capital market. North South Power’s ongoing investments in the Shiroro power station since 2013 have restored nameplate capacity with minimal environmental impact and NSP is now able to generate more than 2,000 GWh on a yearly basis.”