Nigerians are likely to witness a significant improvement in power supply by the end of the year if the contractors deliver the ongoing power plants projects on schedule.
To achieve this, the federal government has given contractors and consultants to the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) deadline to complete the projects and make them ready for commissioning by the end of the year.
The ten power plants as presented by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Company (NDPHC), James Olotu and the commissioning dates were: Omotoso – 450MW, June, 2013; Sapele – 450MW, August, 2013; Geregu – 434MW – July, 2013; Olorunsogo – 750MW, September, 2013; Ihovbor – 450MW, date to be determined later. Others were Ihovbor – 450MW, Gbarain – 225MW, Alaoji – 450MW, Calabar – 561MW, Egbema – 338MW and Omoku – 225MW.
He however, said the commissioning dates for these power plants would be determined in the course of the year after some minor challenges are fixed.
Vice President Namadi Sambo while presiding over a meeting to discuss the commissioning of the NDPHC power plants with the stakeholders handling the projects insisted they must be ready this year.
He commended the progress already made by the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) which has added over 1000MW of electricity to the national grid.
Sambo said all the agreements regarding the dates of commissioning reached at the meeting remain final, adding that penalties would be employed if there would be a defaulter.
Most of the challenges peculiar to all the power plants were availability of gas. Others were the metering system, settlement of outstanding invoices, sinking foundation, way leave, housing, erection and commissioning of balance of plant, GT1, GT2 and transmission lines.
Sambo also commended the contractors and consultants, urging them to “be sure that no power plant fails to function after commissioning” and assured them that he would undertake an inspection visit to all the stations before President Goodluck Jonathan commission the power stations.
