*Governor promises uninterrupted electricity from 2027, addresses environmental concerns
By Florencemary Nwabueze
The Enugu State Government will commence construction of a 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant in July, Governor Peter Mbah announced on Wednesday, marking a major step in his administration’s plan to expand the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
Speaking during a solidarity visit by the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) at the Government House in Enugu, Mbah said the project would be completed within 24 months, with commissioning targeted for 2027.
“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 by far the cheapest in the country,” the governor stated.
The development follows constitutional and electricity sector reforms that transferred power from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, enabling states to participate in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
Mbah revealed that the state government had spent nearly two years conducting feasibility studies and securing coal assets to ensure uninterrupted supply for the proposed plant.
Addressing environmental concerns, the governor noted that Enugu coal has sulphur content of less than 0.5 percent and high calorific value, making it suitable for cleaner energy generation. “With one percent you are happy, but this one is 0.5 percent,” he said.
Beyond power generation, Mbah unveiled plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission and develop a technology incubation centre.
“In four years from now, AI will contribute $20 trillion to the global economy. We do not want Enugu State to miss out. We want to be at the epicentre, not just as consumers, but as producers,” he said.
Meanwhile, OPSN endorsed the governor for a second term, citing achievements in security, infrastructure, transportation, hospitality, and investment promotion.
The body comprises the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), and the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).
OPSN Convener and Chairman of NECA South East Zone, Ugochukwu Chime, commended the administration for creating a business-friendly environment through investments in security and infrastructure.
“We particularly commend your administration’s significant investments in security because business only goes to secure and peaceful destinations,” he said.