Zungeru Hydropower Project Targets Engaging Over 300 Professionals, Annual Delivery Of 2,630GWh Renewal Electricity

Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jeddy Agba has revealed that over 300 skilled professionals are to be engaged upon completion of Zungeru Hydropower project.

Also, the project is expected to deliver on completion, 2,630GWh of clean renewable electricity annually from the second largest dam reservoir in Nigeria.

Agba revealed this while witnessing the Non Load Test on Unit 1 of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower project in Niger State on Monday.

Highlighting the composition of the dam, Agba said “the dam is built of a new engineering technology utilizing the Roller-compacted Concrete (RCC) which has ensured the shortening of the completion of the core civil construction period by over 2 years while the Electro-mechanical components especially the 4-units Francis turbines are from the reputable world class Original Equipment Manufacturers, General Electric”

He said the implementation of the project is aimed to further enhanced the engineering and technical knowledge acquisition of the Nigeria engineers in line with the Presidential Order No 5 as signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, which has immensely transformed most of the engineers on the project to a world class specialists based on acquired expertise on the project.

Stating the economic benefits of the project for the people of Niger State to include: Water Supply Schemes for Community Use, Dry Season Farming and Irrigation, Flood Control Mechanism, Aqua-tourism opportunities, increased economic and social well-being of the host community, Agba said the leadership of President Buhari is committed to working together with all strategic partners in attaining the core objectives across the various energy reforms policies and will continue to promote and drives such initiatives.

While thanking the Chinese Government for the unique cooperation and synergy existing between China and Nigeria which has been pivotal to achieving the progress so far, the Minister also thanked Niger State governor, the good people of the State and the community promising that with the joint efforts of the Niger State government and the Federal government, all due compensations would be paid to affected communities.

Speaking earlier the Project Consultant Engr. Dr. Johnson Bamidele Olorunsola Adewumi, FNSE Chairman, Decrown West Africa Company Ltd On behalf of the Decrown – Tractebel Joint Venture, said on completion of the project, the Federal Republic of Nigeria will have delivered a world class project by every standard.