Stakeholders in the power sector said at the weekend that unlocking Enugu coalfields remains a realistic and strategic pathway to energy independence, industrial revival, and economic transformation in the SouthEast region.

They resolved that Enugu coalfields should urgently be revitalised using modern, clean technologies, while a 300 – 350MW pilot coal power project should be launched.

The stakeholders, who spoke at the Southeast Electricity Summit, organised by Njiko Igbo, in Enugu, also advocated a regional electricity development strategy to boost the economy of the zone.

The stakeholders, who spoke at the Southeast Electricity Summit, organised by Njiko Igbo, in Enugu, also advocated a regional electricity development strategy to boost the economy of the zone.

Speaking on theme, “Unlocking Enugu, Nigeria coal fields: A strategic pathway to 24/7 electricity supply to Enugu State and the southeast”, a former Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, stated that Nigeria’s persistent electricity deficit remains a major constraint to industrialisation and socio-economic development, despite abundant fossil and renewable energy resources.

He stated that electricity remains the backbone of economic growth, lamenting however that Nigeria has continued to struggle with unstable power supply, with generation often fluctuating far below national demand.

Nebo stated that the revitalisation and responsible exploitation of Enugu coalfields among others presents a practical, scalable, and transformative pathway to achieving 24/7 electricity supply in the country.

He said: “Enugu, historically known as the Coal City, once served as Nigeria’s energy backbone, with coal discovered in 1909 powering early industries, railways, and electricity systems.

“The region possesses vast coal reserves in Ogbete, Iva Valley, Onyeama, and Okpara, while Nigeria holds over 639 million tonnes of proven coal reserves and approximately 2.75 billion tonnes of deposits.

“Coal offers base load power generation, capable of delivering uninterrupted electricity unlike intermittent sources such as solar and seasonal hydro.

“One tonne of coal can generate approximately 2,000–2,500 kilowatts of electricity, with the potential to sustain over 1,000MW of power generation for decades”.

Turning to the SouthEast region, he observed that the zone currently faces challenges including unstable grid supply, heavy reliance on diesel generators, high energy costs for SMEs, and limited industrial growth, saying the region should integrate coal power into regional industrial policy.

An Energy Consultant, Ayodele Ikumapayi, stated that plans had been concluded to establish a 350 megawatt coal-fired power plant in Oji River, Enugu State, to power parts of Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states within the next two years.

He stated that the state possesses abundant high-quality coal reserves capable of powering the plant for between 40 to 50 years, assuring that the project when activated would provide viable solutions for industrial development

He said that the Enugu State government had signed into the project and that licensing processes had commenced with the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the environmental impact assessment.

Summit Chairman, Ejike Ezenwa, SAN,  had earlier emphasised that the summit was aimed at mobilising the Southeast towards unlocking coal resources for energy and industrial development.
National Chairman of the South East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA), Rev  Okechukwu Obioha, advocated diversification of energy sources and strategic return to coal to leverage regional advantages, while the Enugu State Chairman of SEECA, Ifebuche Chukwu highlighted the severe impact of persistent power outages and called for urgent action to harness coal resources.

Also speaking, Enugu State Police Commissioner, Mamman Bitrus, represented by  an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Oliver Odimega noted that improved electricity supply would significantly reduce crime, as the youths would  be engaged in industries and security operations would be enhanced.

A Commissioner in the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), Reuben Okoye reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging all available energy resources within a balanced and forward-looking regulatory framework, while navigating environmental and policy constraints.