[Video] FG Signs Contract with Elsewedy and Power China to upgrade Nigeria’s power distribution infrastructure

There is a fresh attempt to increase power generation in Nigeria. This is in alignment with the mandate of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) which is to expeditiously deliver improved power supply to industrial clusters, households and businesses in the country. The fresh effort is the signing of agreement for power distribution, which form the major aspect of the challenge of power supply in Nigeria.

FGN Power Company (FGNPC) announced the signing of a major Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC&F) contract with Elsewedy and Power China for the rehabilitation and construction of distribution lines under Phase I of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). The contract, valued at US$118,148,469.72, involves the construction and rehabilitation of 2,670 kilometres of 33kV, 11kV, and 400V distribution lines across the country.

FGN Power Company (FGNPC) is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) mandated to implement the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). FGNPC’s mission is to address infrastructural gaps by investing in end-to-end solutions that will deliver reliable, incremental energy to customers in Nigeria.

In the same vein, Siemens Energy also delivered ten (10) power transformers and ten (10) mobile substations to FGN Power Company and deployed at key sites across the country, addressing transmission capacity constraints in the transmission sector by over 1,300MW. Notable sites include Okene, Amukpe, Potiskum, Apo, Ihovbor, Birnin Kebbi, Ajah, Nike Lake, Kwanar Dangora, Maryland and Ojo.

This project is designed to complement ongoing mid-stream transmission projects to secure power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial clusters across Nigeria. By upgrading the distribution network, FGNPC aims to significantly increase electricity reliability and accessibility for millions of Nigerians.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Honourable Minister of Power, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This project marks a significant step towards achieving our goal of reliable and sustainable electricity for all Nigerians. We are committed to working with top-tier partners like Elsewedy and Power China to deliver on this promise.”

Kenny Anuwe, Managing Director of FGN Power Company, in his remarks said: “We are delighted to partner with Elsewedy and Power China on this transformative project. Their proven expertise and commitment to excellence make them ideal partners for delivering this critical infrastructure. Siemens, known for its strengths in advanced technology and innovation, does not specialise in distribution lines. Therefore, it was a strategic decision to collaborate with Elsewedy, bearing in mind the successful partnership between both companies in Egypt. This partnership with Elsewedy Electric will ensure the highest quality and efficiency in delivering the necessary infrastructure. Together, we will combine our strengths and deliver comprehensive solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing energy and infrastructure needs.”

The project will deliver construction of 687 kilometres of new distribution lines (greenfield) and the rehabilitation of 1,983 kilometres of existing lines (brownfield). FGNPC has worked closely with Enugu and Benin DisCos and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to develop a comprehensive project definition aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Islam Isharawy, Country Manager at Elsewedy, in his earlier speech said: “We are honoured to contribute our expertise to Nigeria’s ambitious energy goals. This project represents a significant opportunity to upgrade Nigeria’s power distribution infrastructure.”

Mr Tino Dong, Vice President for Central and West Africa at Power China, commented: “Power China believes in the President’s vision for the power sector and is committed to high-quality and reliable power solutions as part of our interventions. We look forward to a successful collaboration with FGNPC and Elsewedy to bring improved power distribution to Nigeria.”