FG seeks early completion of project, admits challenges on supply

The Federal Government has admitted that grid-related challenges impede the dispatch of the nation’s 13, 000 megawatts electricity.

This comes as the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu asked contractors to complete the Zungeru power plant, where the nation is expecting about 700 megawatts of electricity.

Aliyu had told African Development Bank (AfDB) during a visit that the majority of the nation’s generated electricity remained underused, adding that the development made it difficult to harness investment opportunities.

Aliyu, who had appreciated AfDB for intervention in certain areas of the Power sector, stated that more intervention was needed.

He also noted that plans were on to provide renewable energy by the engagement of independent power producers, which would ultimately increase the energy supply to the National grid.

While receiving consultants and contractors in charge of consortium for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project, Aliyu also noted that the Federal Government would address the challenges faced by the contractors in the discharge of their duties which borders on Security, COVID 19, cost adjustment owing to the extra work outside the contracted sum and the delay in release of fund by China Exim Bank.

Aliyu further informed the contractors of efforts of the ministry through the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue of opening of the escrow account in a commercial bank as prescribed in the Subsidiary Loan Agreement with Exim bank.