Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, has described the ongoing construction of Abuja Independent Power as progressing project under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Abdulaziz said this on Thursday during the fourth day of the “Gani Ya Kori Ji” (Seeing is Believing) inspection visit of the ongoing Abuja Independent Power Project (Phase I), in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is a key component of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Power Projects, designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity supply and drive industrial development.
The Presidential aide described the rapid transformation of the site as another demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the project site, which witnessed underdevelopment in 2024, had witnessed remarkable progress within a short period.
“As of 2024, this place was all grass. Today, you can see a massive power facility taking shape. This is another testament to what the Tinubu administration is achieving. This is no longer a promise; it is a reality,” he said.
Abdulaziz expressed optimism that Phase I of the project would generate 265 megawatts of electricity, adding that the project would be completed and inaugurated before the end of 2026.
According to him, construction is progressing steadily with more than 1,300 workers, comprising Nigerians and expatriates, currently engaged on the project, making it not only a strategic power initiative but also a major source of employment.
“This project alone will inject 265 megawatts into the national grid. Imagine the impact that will have on electricity supply.
“More importantly, this is only the first phase. Similar power plants are planned for Kaduna and Kano in subsequent phases,” he said.
He added that the power plant would be supplied with natural gas from the AKK Gas Pipeline, creating a strategic link between two landmark Federal Government infrastructure projects.
According to him, the integration of gas and power infrastructure will transform Nigeria’s electricity sector, boost industrialization, stimulate economic growth and significantly improve power supply to Abuja and surrounding communities.
Providing an update on construction activities, the Project Engineer, Hu Sassai, said work commenced with land clearing, earthworks and site preparation before foundation excavation began in January 2025.
Sassai explained that the engineering team spent approximately six months completing major civil works, including equipment foundations, before moving into the installation phase.
“Virtually all the major equipment has now arrived on site and has been installed on their respective foundations.
“We are currently carrying out equipment installation, cable laying and electrical works. Construction of firefighting and water pipelines is also progressing simultaneously,” Sassai said.
He expressed confidence that the project would be completed on schedule before the end of this year.
“Our target is to complete the project by the end of December this year,” he added.
NAN reports that the Abuja Independent Power Project (Phase I) is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to expand electricity generation, strengthen energy security and maximize the economic benefits of the AKK Gas Pipeline, which is nearing completion.
Earlier on Wednesday, the inspection team visited Block Valve Station 19 (BVS 19) of the AKK Gas Pipeline at Rahma Wali Village in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where project officials disclosed that the 614-kilometre AKK Gas Pipeline had reached 95 per cent completion.
The team was briefed on the strategic importance of the pipeline, which will supply natural gas to power plants and industries across Northern Nigeria.
Similarly, the delegation also inspected Section I of the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Dual Carriageway Project, where they assessed the pace and quality of ongoing construction work.
It also visited the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition City in Kaduna State, a state-of-the-art skills development centre established by Gov. Uba Sani.
The Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition City is to equip young people with modern vocational and technical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
In addition, the delegation visited the newly revived General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, Kaduna under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
(NAN).
