Nigeria partners China for world-class transformer plant

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) have concluded plans to establish a world-class transformer production plant in Nigeria. The groundbreaking takes place next month.

Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, who made the disclosure during an official meeting with the Chinese team, yesterday, in Abuja, said the project, first of its kind in the country, is in line with the industrialisation and economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government.

He noted that the partnership is to put finishing touches to preparation for next month’s meeting, signalling commencement of work as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as chairman of the governing board of NASENI.

Leader of delegation and Chairman, Chinese Liaoning Huaye Group Development Limited, Anshan Ma Liming, submitted that the cordial relationship between Nigeria and China was instrumental to the eventual signing of documents for the plant.

He added that the collaboration had also led to training of 60 NASENI engineers in transformer production and high voltage testing laboratory plant.

Liming said the third component of the project is the establishment of a solar cell manufacturing plant in Nigeria geared at popularising renewable energy in the country.

His words: “NASENI and China would continue to work together to ensure attainment of the industrialisation agenda of Nigeria, which the three projects have as targets to be kick-started with the building of a first-class transformer plant in Africa to be located in Nigeria.”

“We will work together as good partners to ensure that Nigeria has the best transformer plant in Africa.”

The NASENI boss, who conceived the ideas, recalled that the agreement was first signed in 2013, but due to some technicalities, the project could not take off.

He disclosed that Buhari, in a fresh directive, insisted that the three projects must commence next month.