The federal government has revealed that the newly constructed $1.2 billion Zungeru Hydro Electric Power project located in Niger state will become operational in the first (Q1) 2023 after its inauguration.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Power, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, who inspected the extent of work done so far on the power plant.
According to the minister, each of the three turbines has already been installed and will be expected to generate 175 megawatts of electricity. He also noted that when the power plant becomes functional, it will generate 700 megawatts of electricity.
Commenting on the work done so far, the minister expressed satisfaction, stating that the contractors and workers have so far exhibited commitment. However, he stated that the project ought to have been functional already as the challenges of Covid-19 and insecurity hindered its early completion.
He further disclosed that the Zungeru Power Project is part of the federal government’s plans to improve electricity supply across Nigeria and to fulfill President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to vision 30:30:30.
Also commenting on the project is Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane who accompanied the minister for 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”.
Investors King understands that when the plant becomes functional, it will provide a huge respite both to the epileptic power sector and the struggling economy of the country.
Also, it is expected to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to more than 2,000 people.
