WorldStage– The Enugu State Government, South East Nigeria has unveiled plans to build a 660 mega watts coal-fired power plant starting from July to boost electricity supply in the state.
The state Governor, Peter Mbah, made the disclosure during a solidarity visit by the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN), Enugu State, at the Government House, on Wednesday.
The OPSN is an umbrella body for Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).
They also include the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).
The group equally endorsed Mbah for a second tenure.
Mbah recalled that Enugu State was the first subnational to set up an electricity market following the Constitution and Electricity Act amendments that effectively transferred power from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.
This, he said, paved way for states to participate in all the power value chain, namely generation, transmission, and distribution.
“But we have gone beyond just setting up the electricity market to now being interested in producing the electricity here.
“I am pleased to inform you that in July, we are going to be breaking ground for a 660MW coal-fired power plant.
“The outlay in terms of time for building the plant is 24 months. So, our target is to commission that power plant in 24 months after the groundbreaking in July.
“What that simply means is that post-2027, you will not have your power go off in Enugu, whether for businesses or for residential.
“You are also going to have affordable electricity because it is going to be far the cheapest in the country.” he said.
The governor allayed concerns normally associated with coal, citing the low sulfur content and high calorific value of Enugu coal, standing at about 7,000 kilocalories per kilogramme.
“So, instead of just exporting our coal, we are going to be benefiting from it by adding value, generating electricity with it,” he said.
The governor said the project was not a knee-jerk decision, as his administration had taken about two years to undertake the necessary studies and also secure coal assets to guarantee unhindered supplies to the plant.
Mbah also highlighted investments in security, a one-stop shop for investors, a tech incubation centre, and a partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to build an AI Institute as key steps to boost Enugu’s business environment and future readiness.
Earlier, the Convener of the OPSN, Enugu, and Chairman, NECA South East Zone, Dr Ugochukwu Chime, expressed the group’s satisfaction with the Mbah administration.
He cited security, improved infrastructure, transportation, hospitality, social services, and other enablers of business and investment.
“The construction and rehabilitation of strategic road networks have improved mobility, enhanced access to commercial centres, and stimulated economic activities across the state,” Chime said.
Chime said that Mbah, by his exploits, had made it imperative for more private sector players to join politics.
“Organised Private Sector is particularly proud that you are one of its distinguished products.
“Your private sector background, where practical and common-sense decisions prevail, has enabled you to appreciate the critical role of businesses in economic growth, job creation, and improved welfare of the people,” he said.
Other speakers, including Dr Ifeanyi Okoye of NECA; founder of Peace Group of Companies, Dr Maduka Onyishi; ECCIMA President, Mr Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe among others .
They lauded Mbah for turning the state’s fortunes around as a centre for business and investment.
The members used the opportunity to present several made in Enugu products to the governor.
