The Nigerian Federal Government has inked a $328.8 million agreement with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to overhaul and expand the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
Finalized on Wednesday, this deal is part of Phase 1 of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) and includes the engineering, procurement, construction, and financing of 330 kV and 132 kV transmission lines across the nation.
The project aims to enhance the reliability of the power grid and address issues of stranded electricity generation capacity. It involves the construction of 544 kilometers of transmission lines, capable of handling up to 7,140 megawatts, and will be implemented at both existing and new locations.
At the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Power in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, called the agreement a transformative milestone for the sector, highlighting its significance in raising transmission standards nationwide.
He emphasized that the expansion would directly address Nigeria’s transmission constraints and improve access to electricity for homes, businesses, and industries.
Adelabu further stressed that the project aligns with the federal government’s broader goal of ensuring consistent and reliable electricity supply under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He added that the initiative would spur economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for Nigerian citizens.
The Ministry of Power has also made substantial progress on the PPI, including the deployment of ten advanced power transformers and mobile substations from Siemens Energy. These additions are expected to boost the national grid by more than 700 MW.
Kenny Anuwe, Managing Director of FGN Power Company, expressed confidence that the partnership with CMEC would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s transmission network, ensuring more efficient power distribution.
This collaboration, along with ongoing efforts with Siemens Energy, will help improve both power generation and high-voltage transmission systems.
CMEC’s Vice President, Li Xiaoyu, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the company, underscoring the project’s importance in enhancing Nigeria’s electricity delivery.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in addressing the country’s power infrastructure challenges and ensuring the reliable transmission of electricity to meet increasing demand across Nigeria.
Advertisement
