Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new 350MW Gwagwalada Independent Thermal Power Plant (Phase 1), President Tinubu urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its partners to ensure the completion of the project within the promised three-year timeline. He stressed the importance of timely delivery, stating that "three years must be three years."
Despite the current supply gap deficits caused by dilapidated power infrastructure and poor distribution networks, President Tinubu declared his administration's determination to address these issues. He stated that improved energy generation and distribution are imperative for accelerated national growth. The President acknowledged that enhancing the stability and quantity of energy supply will contribute to economic development, which remains a top priority for his administration.
During his election campaign, President Tinubu made a commitment to Nigerians regarding stable electricity supply. He reiterated this commitment, highlighting the need to utilize all available energy sources to exceed the current installed capacity of 12,000 megawatts. The President emphasized the importance of strengthening transmission infrastructure and eliminating distribution bottlenecks to create a productive and industrialized economy capable of tackling poverty and generating high-paying manufacturing jobs.
President Tinubu stressed that adequate energy, especially electricity, is the topmost national economic imperative required for Nigeria's development and maximum utilization of its human and natural resources. He noted that reliable electricity is crucial to power a doubling of the Gross Domestic Product within the next decade, enabling the country to join the league of developed nations.
Expressing his excitement about the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gwagwalada thermal power plant (Phase 1), President Tinubu described it as a significant step towards establishing a strong and robust energy foundation. The 350MW project is part of a larger 3,600MW cumulative power project along the Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano gas pipeline corridors. This project aims to enhance economic viability while attracting foreign direct investments.
President Tinubu assured that his administration would leverage the nation's gas resources by capitalizing on the global declaration of gas as a 'transition fuel' and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He emphasized the need to harness Nigeria's vast proven gas reserves of over 200 trillion cubic feet for improved power generation and the establishment of gas-based industries. These initiatives will drive sustainable economic development and create millions of jobs.
In addition to utilizing gas, President Tinubu pledged to vigorously pursue low-carbon energy options such as solar, hydro, wind, thermal, and biofuels. This diversified energy mix aims to meet growing domestic demands and improve the standard of living, particularly in rural areas.
Commending the NNPC for its efforts in this regard, President Tinubu highlighted their strategic partnership with NIPCO Gas Limited to deploy Compressed Natural Gas stations across the country. This collaboration will expand Nigeria's CNG infrastructure, improve access to CNG, and accelerate the adoption of a cheaper and cleaner alternative fuel for vehicles nationwide.
The President concluded by affirming his administration's dedication to addressing power challenges and promoting gas utilization, with a clear focus on advancing energy diversification. He commended the NNPC for its proactive initiatives and urged them to ensure the timely completion of projects.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and senior government officials, including state governors, royal fathers, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria. The event marked a significant milestone in President Tinubu's administration as it signifies the beginning of efforts to establish a strong energy foundation for uninterrupted power supply, boosting the economy and accelerating industrial growth.
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