FG Signs $118Bn Pact With Elsewedy, Power China For Improved Power Supply
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria, has signed a contract with the Elsewedy and Power China for the rehabilitation of distribution lines across the country, under the Phase 1 of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).
The PPI was intended to deliver improved power supply to industrial clusters, households and businesses in Nigeria.
The contract, valued at US$118,148,469.72, involves the construction and rehabilitation of 2,670 kilometres of 33kV, 11kV, and 400V distribution lines across the country.
A statement on Wednesday by the Ministry of Power, said, the project was designed to complement ongoing mid-stream transmission projects to secure power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial clusters across Nigeria.
By upgrading the distribution network, FGNPC aims to significantly increase electricity reliability and accessibility for millions of Nigerians.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This project marks a significant step towards achieving our goal of reliable and sustainable electricity for all Nigerians. We are committed to working with top-tier partners like Elsewedy and Power China to deliver on this promise.”
Mr. Kenny Anuwe, Managing Director of FGN Power Company, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Elsewedy and Power China on this transformative project. Their proven expertise and commitment to excellence make them ideal partners for delivering this critical infrastructure.
“Siemens, known for its strengths in advanced technology and innovation, does not specialise in distribution lines. Therefore, it was a strategic decision to collaborate with Elsewedy, bearing in mind the successful partnership between both companies in Egypt.
“This partnership with Elsewedy Electric will ensure the highest quality and efficiency in delivering the necessary infrastructure.
“Together, we will combine our strengths and deliver comprehensive solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing energy and infrastructure needs”, he said.
The project will deliver construction of 687 kilometres of new distribution lines (greenfield) and the rehabilitation of 1,983 kilometres of existing lines (brownfield).
FGNPC has worked closely with Enugu and Benin DisCos and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to develop a comprehensive project definition aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Mr Islam Isharawy, Country Manager at Elsewedy, added: “We are honoured to contribute our expertise to Nigeria’s ambitious energy goals. This project represents a significant opportunity to upgrade Nigeria’s power distribution infrastructure.”
Mr Tino Dong, Vice President for Central and West Africa at Power China, commented: “Power China believes in the President’s vision for the power sector and is committed to high-quality and reliable power solutions as part of our interventions. We look forward to a successful collaboration with FGNPC and Elsewedy to bring improved power distribution to Nigeria.”
Recall that the FGN successfully received ten (10) power transformers and ten (10) mobile substations from Siemens Energy.
These are being deployed at key sites across the country, increasing transmission capacity constraints in the transmission sector by over 1,300MW.
Notable sites include Okene, Amukpe, Potiskum, Apo, Ihovbor, Birnin Kebbi, Ajah, Nike Lake, Kwanar Dangora, Maryland, Omouaran, Ojo, among others.
