Concessioning: T.Y Danjuma takes over Kashimbilla hydropower station

The Kashimbila multipurpose hydropower station, situated in Takum Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, has been finally concessioned to the former Minister of Defense, General Theophilus Danjuma, by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The development, The Guardian reports, marks a significant shift in the management of the facility, which plays a crucial role in power generation, irrigation, and flood control in Taraba and some neighbouring states.

Handing over the 40-megawatt dam to the new owner over the weekend, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, said the dam was conceived to check the imminent danger from the collapse of Lake Nyos in the neighbouring Republic of Cameroon.

The engineering design, as made known by the Minister, incorporated 40 megawatts of electricity, among other benefits.

The Minister, who spoke through the Director of Public-Private Partnership, Engr Zaccheaus Akinjogbin, said the process of the concession began in 2021, following all due processes. The aim is to provide jobs, lift Nigerians out of poverty, provide health care, and improve the general standards of living for Nigerians.

He applauded the T.Y. Danjuma Foundation for the construction of the Kashimbila airport at no cost to the Federal Government, which he believed would facilitate movement to the dam.

Speaking, the former Minister of Defense, who is the new owner of the facility, said the Kashimbilla hydro dam is the largest investment of the Federal Government in Taraba State.

While thanking the Federal Government for the investment, he said the company that has been given the power to run and maintain the operation of the facility belongs to him, and he fought for it doggedly.

He said that for the power to be distributed to the state, a lot needs to be done, noting that the whole state needs to be rewired because substandard cables were used, which could explode if the energy from the dam is released. He assured that the state would achieve the rewiring.

On his part, the state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, noted that the law will ensure that the state has a legal framework to commence full operation of the state’s electricity market and for the hydropower project to be regulated adequately for the benefit of all.

Kefas, who noted that the ceremonial handing over of the Kashimbila Power Plant to its new owner is a positive step towards economic development and greatness for the state, said the event is not just about the transfer of ownership but a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable energy and economic prosperity.

Observing that a reliable power supply is essential for everything from the daily life of the citizens to the growth of industries and businesses, with the development, the state, according to him, “can power schools, hospitals, factories, and homes.”

“The Kashimbila Power Plant stands as a symbol of the transformation of the state in addressing the energy needs of the people through renewable, clean, and sustainable means,” Kefas stated.

Announcing that his administration recognizes that energy is the backbone of socio-economic growth and development, he affirmed that his long-term plan for the state is to develop renewable and sustainable energy sources within the state to be the net exporter of energy to other states and even the neighbouring Republic of Cameroon.

While urging the new owners of the power plant to preserve the critical asset and ensure efficiency in the operation of the plant, he praised the Kashimbilla communities for their patience, support, and partnership throughout the construction of the power plant and its operation so far.

He expressed optimism that the local community and businesses will benefit from their operations, employment, and corporate social responsibility opportunities as part of their mandate.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner of Energy and Economic Development, Engineer Naomi Agbu, said the occasion represents a departure of the state towards energy independence, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Naomi, who was of the view that energy is key to driving economic growth and development of any society and that the Kashimbilla Power Plant stands as a testament to leading the state to a new era, commended Kefas for signing the Electricity Act 2024 into law.

The feat is coming barely two days after the Taraba State Government House was renamed after T.Y Danjuma.