The Federal Government’s long-term plan for power transmission upgrade was on Monday described as a step in the right direction by the Member representing Esan Northeast/Esan Southeast Federal Constituency Hon. Prince Odianosen Okojie 

 

Hon. Okojie who is the husband of the Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie said the project will help boost power generation which will in turn, contribute positively to the socio-economic development of the country.

 

The federal lawmaker was responding to the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the 1,350MW Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant (GIPP) Project by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

He said the Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant project, is strategic and will help in increasing the Nation's power generation capacity. 

 

He reassured Nigerians that the project will significantly bolster the nation's electricity supply, strengthen economic growth, and foster industrial development among others.

 

The GIPP, which is expected to consist of three power train blocks of 450MW each will help generate an average of 10.3-million-Megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity per year for sale to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) when completed.

 

 Hon. Okojie however extolled the robust policies of the Federal Government especially in seeking solutions aimed at curtailing the challenges in the power sector. 

 

"First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed His Excellency, Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces for gracing this occasion with his presence and performing the groundbreaking ceremony.

 

 "His unwavering commitment to the development and progress of our Nation is truly commendable, and his presence here today, underscores the importance of this project for the growth of our country - Nigeria" he stated.

 

Hon. Okojie, who is the House Committee Chairman on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), hailed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), for this laudable initiative which is aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s gas-to-power aspirations through the effective utilization of Nigeria's abundant gas resources. "The NNPC has played a pivotal role in the energy sector, and the commencement of this power project further exemplifies their dedication to driving positive change in the nation's energy landscape", he added.

 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Ministry of Power and the Permanent Secretary Federal Capital Territory were not left out as Hon. Okojie appreciated their immense support and collaboration which he noted was also instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of the project.

 

The Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant (GIPP) is expected to receive gas supply through the Ajaokuta - Kaduna- Kano (AKK) Gas pipeline which is currently at its advanced stages and will also provide $700-800 million per year as projected gross revenue within the first ten years.