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Powering Nigeria’s Future: NNPC’s GIPP Project Sets Stage for Nigeria’s Power Generation, Industrialisation

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Mele Kyari with President Tinubu laying the foundation

 

 

As the sun rose over Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the air was thick with anticipation and hope. A ground-breaking ceremony took place that would mark a historic milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards energy independence and economic growth.

The Gwagwalada Independent Power Project (GIPP), a visionary endeavour led by the Nigerian government and the NNPC Limited, was set to revolutionize the nation’s energy sector and transform lives.

The GIPP, an ambitious 1,350MW Combined Cycle Power Plant, will be situated on 54.7 hectares of land in Gwagwalada, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Its establishment was necessitated by the pressing need for additional power generation capacity in Nigeria.

 

The project will receive gas supply through the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, currently in advanced stages of construction.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, shared a detailed overview of the Gwagwalada Independent Power Project and its potential to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape. “The Gwagwalada Independent Power Project (GIPP) is a 1,350MW Combined Cycle Power Plant with auxiliaries and Balance of Plant to be situated on 54.7 hectares of land already acquired at Gwagwalada,” Kyari explained.
The driving force behind the GIPP was the urgent need to expand power generation capacity in Nigeria. Kyari emphasized that the fuel requirements for the project would be met under a long-term Gas Sales, Purchase, and Aggregation Agreement with Shell Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture (SPDC JV).

“The GIPP project consists of three power train blocks of 450MW each,” Kyari continued, describing the impressive infrastructure that would power the plant. According to Kyari, each block featured General Electric (GE) GT13E2 gas turbine generators, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), steam turbine electric generators, direct air-cooling condensers, and a black start diesel generator.

The GCEO observed that the projected output was nothing short of remarkable. “On completion, the GIPP Project will generate an average of 10.3 million Megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year, for sale to Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET),” Kyari announced. The generated power would be made available through a mix of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with NBET and direct sales to major off-takers, providing a stable and sustainable energy supply to homes and businesses.
In his address at the well-attended occasion, President Bola Tinubu expressed the significance of energy in the modern world, stating, “Energy is the most important discovery for humanity in the last 100 years. There is no life without power,” the President reiterated. Emphasizing his campaign commitment, he vowed to prioritize stable electricity distribution, ensuring an increase in power generation capacity and the removal of distribution bottlenecks.

The President highlighted that reliable electricity is the lifeblood of a productive and industrialized economy, vital for eradicating poverty and fostering job opportunities. “We cannot become a productive economy unless we become efficient,” he asserted, underlining the administration’s unwavering dedication to bringing about positive change.
To address the nation’s energy needs comprehensively, President Tinubu underscored the administration’s resolve to pursue a diverse range of low-carbon energy sources, including solar, hydro, thermal, and biofuel. This commitment aims to enhance both on-grade and upgraded power systems and improve the standard of living for citizens in rural communities while unlocking social and economic opportunities.

Without mincing words, the economic impact of the GIPP Project extended far beyond energy generation. From all pointers, the project would attract significant foreign and domestic investments, further driving economic growth and industrialization. In fact, experts in the power sector believe that within the first ten years, around USD 700-800 million (per year) of projected gross revenues is expected.

The ripple effect of this investment would be felt in the improvement of the national transmission system, a crucial aspect of the government’s long-term plan for transmission upgrades. Such progress would undoubtedly create an enabling environment for businesses, spur innovation and attract additional investments, ultimately leading to job creation and a boost in the nation’s standard of living.
It was therefore understandable that the excitement and enthusiasm in almost all the host communities surrounding the GIPP project in Gwagwalada were palpable. Already, the NNPC Ltd has emplaced a robust stakeholder engagement with the host communities at all levels, fostering a collaborative spirit, mutual understanding and a harmonious working relationship among all parties involved.

“The locals have been very supportive and full of excitement and expectation that the GIPP will bring about hundreds of job opportunities (direct and indirect labour) and subsequently, development and industrialization within Gwagwalada and environs,” a brochure explaining the project acknowledged.

One of the critical success factors for the GIPP Project is the quality of the partnership. Beyond just what NNPC Ltd has done, the crucial role of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) in constructing the project under a turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract deserves commendation.
This is probably why on the eve of the historic groundbreaking, an elated Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun lauded the trilateral cooperation between China represented by CMEC, the United States represented by GE Vernova, and Nigeria as represented by the NNPC Limited. Emphasizing the positive impact the project would have on the country’s development, Mr. Jianchun said a reliable and sustainable energy systems is necessary, even as he pledged China’s unwavering support to facilitate and resolve any challenges that may arise in the course of executing the project.

Looking at all these experienced partners, there is abundant hope that the GIPP project was indeed set to benefit from the expertise and experience of leading industry players.
As the nation looks to the future, the GIPP represents more than just a power plant. It is a symbol of Nigeria’s determination to harness its vast gas resources for the benefit of its people. By supporting the government’s aspiration of domestic utilization of gas resources and bolstering the gas-to-power infrastructure drive, the GIPP will serve as a catalyst for growth and development.

As President Tinubu eloquently stated, “We can not become a productive economy unless we become efficient.” The GIPP project is Nigeria’s beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all its citizens.

This transformative project not only reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering its power generation capacity but also aligns with the government’s aspiration to utilize the country’s abundant gas resources for domestic energy consumption. The GIPP’s fuel requirements will be met through a long-term Gas Sales, Purchase, and Aggregation Agreement with the Shell Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture (SPDC JV), a veteran of the oil and gas business.

For now, the Gwagwalada community eagerly anticipates the manifold benefits which the GIPP project will bring. Local stakeholders have already engaged in robust discussions with NNPC Ltd., expressing excitement and hope for industrialization, development, and job opportunities in the area.

The GIPP’s impact will be felt far beyond the rocky and humid terrains of Gwagwalada. The effect will be felt nationwide, as the project holds the key to energizing Nigeria’s industries, spurring economic growth, and improving the lives of its citizens. The Power Project stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of NNPC Ltd. and the Nigerian government to provide energy solutions for today and tomorrow.

By focusing on diversifying energy sources and bolstering power generation capacity, the NNPC Ltd takes a decisive stride towards fulfilling its mandate of making energy available and affordable in a sustainable manner. Nigerians can’t wait for the lights to be fully switched on in Gwagwalada and beyond.

Abel Madaki, a power sector analyst, wrote in from Lagos.

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Opinion

Kano APC Youth Coalition, Nasir Ja’o’ji and Party Survival

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By Abba Anwar

At cursory look of the title of this piece, what readily comes to mind, is the existing relationship between Kano APC Youth Coalition and Nasir Bala Ja’o’ji, in APC realignment process or procedure. This really captures the picture clearly from the surface. But there is more to it.

Kano APC Youth Coalition came into being more as a one-man-show, probably self-styled and crafty moved. But subsequent engagements of the Coalition, proves otherwise. Some people thought, the Coalition came handy canvassing for primary support for some quasi – politicians, unproductive as they appear, who always hide behind the scene and make a cover under good image of the party leadership at all levels.

Many people, including me, thought this Coalition under Adamu Unguwar Gini, would operate in desperation, under the guise of recuperating party youth into one basket for misleading purpose. As some elders, would-be-elders and self – acclaimed elders operate from clandestine position.

For sure the Coalition, prepared before its debut. Party elders, leaders and other stakeholders were contacted for direction and guide. This, I was not told, but I observed. I understand this by looking at its growing process. I equally understood that, the leadership of the Coalition was one time tilted towards particular side of the prism. But experience and good intention, in my view, necessitated for spreading the leadership into all sections of the state.

It is this strategy, among others, that gave individuals like Hon Nasir Bala Ja’o’ji, to see reason in aiding the movement. Though he is the Zonal Leader of the movement, from Kano Central. But his contribution towards having effective and efficient implementation of the core central objectives of the group, that is making the party stronger and domineering at all levels, gives him the courage to be one of the principal stakeholders.

The recently announced donation of Eighty Eight Million Naira (N88m) to the Coalition for the 44 local governments tour and empowerment of 100 people from each local government, says a lot in his enduring commitment to the expansion and making the party strong enough to compete comfortably come 2027, at both state and national elections.

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The proposed local governments tour and empowerment programme scheduled for time to come, is an important pointer to the fact that, this Coalition has very strong and fearless individuals that are ready to sacrifice their time, energy and resources towards political alignment and realignment within the party structure.

People like Musaddique Wada Waziri, Malam Abdussalam Ishaq (Kumbotso), Umar Maiwayo Rimingado, my younger brother Inyass Habibu, Ibrahim Danyaro, Jijitar, Abubakar Indabawa, former Vice Chairman, Warawa, Dini Manchester Kankarofi, Abubakar Aminu, Hon Barwa, Sani Gilashi, Danfillo, Idris Zango, among many others, are playing very critical role in strengthening the grip of the party across the state and the nation at large.

One interesting thing about this combination is, here are important actors, who, for strategic reason, come from all “sides” of the party stalwarts. Party stalwarts because they are the shining stars of the party in the state.

Stars like Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, former Deputy Governor and Gubernatorial Candidate for 2023 election, HE Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, former Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs and Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate for 2023 election, HE Murtala Sule Garo, Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi, among others.

But all the Stars above lineup behind our Flagship, the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON.

After critical review of the intention of the Coalition, Nasir Ja’o’ji comes to believe that, this Coalition means well for the party. And should therefore be facelifted, encouraged, guided and supported. After believing that, the Unguwar Gini led group, “… belongs to everybody and does not belong to anybody…”, Ja’o’ji made it compulsory to always give a helping hand to the group. More importantly, since the Coalition means genuine support for the party at all levels.

Let me still insist that, if Ja’o’ji a political appointee under President Tinubu, as a member Governing Council, of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum, Yobe State, can do this, contributing N88m, I’m sure other political appointees under the same administration can also replicate.

Because supporting Coalition in the same pace and manner, equals to supporting the party, the National Chairman, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the same time. In my view therefore, Ja’o’ji apart from being a pacesetter among all political appointees from Kano, he is genuinely a firm believer of APC programmes and policies.

My appeal is for the National Chairman of the party, Baba Ganduje, and the Tinubu led administration, to kindly see reason for continued support for the Coalition and similar ones across all the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

As Unguwar Gini model shows in Kano, Coalition of this nature is not taking away any responsibility of party leadership. We can see how harmonious is the relationship between APC Youth Coalition and state leadership of the party, under Prince Abdullahi Abbas. Another pillar of great substance.

Neutrality of this Coalition, in my own understanding, is clearly manifested in how our shining stars give helping hands to the movement. They are eager to give resources and moral support. It is indeed the neutral posture that gives Ja’o’ji the strength to be of that magnitude.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

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Opinion

Open Letter to the Former Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development

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Abba Dukawa

As Muslims, we believe in Al-Qadar, the concept of Divine Decree or predestination. This pillar of faith reminds us that everything, good or bad, comes from Allah. We trust in Allah’s wisdom, love, and plan, acknowledging that our lifespan, deeds, and circumstances are recorded in the Lauhul-Mahfuz.

In light of your recent dismissal, I’m concerned that your public statements blaming certain individuals for your removal contradict this fundamental Islamic principle.

You admitted President Bola Tinubu explained your removal was due to the need to balance Kano State’s political representation. Quoting you: “I was surprised, as I wasn’t found guilty of wrongdoing or poor performance… Kano North was overloaded with political officers, hence the need to strike a balance.”

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I urge you to reflect on Quran 2:286, “Allah does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear,” and Surah Ali ‘Imran, verse 26, “Allah! Possessor of the kingdom, gives the kingdom to whom He will, and takes the kingdom from whom He will.”

Your rise from local government chairman to deputy governor and minister was Allah’s will. Similarly, your dismissal is part of Allah’s plan.

I caution against desperation and blaming others. Instead, trust Allah’s wisdom and providence.

As a Muslim, it’s inconsistent to think anyone can alter Allah’s plan for you. I believe those close to you are misleading you by allowing you to publicly blame others for your dismissal as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development. It’s unwise to grant interviews after being relieved of duty, as it comes across as desperate—and your media handlers are equally at fault for permitting it.

Why have the rest of the ministers who were equally sacked remained silent? Why are you the only one expressing dismay for being relieved?

Dukawa writes from Abuja and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

 

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Opinion

Sokoto:Sen. Wamakko’s 9 Years Of “Poor” Representation In The Senate

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Sokoto is known for leadership and where religious knowledge is deep-rooted. So, leaders from the Caliphate are well respected and honour by people from other parts of the country. The reason is clear, Sokoto is the seat of Caliphate that produced great leaders and Islamic scholars of high repute.

So, nobody expects less when it comes to leadership in the state, but if you are a keen observer and follower of activities in Nigeria, you would wonder if the Sokoto they are talking about today, have any link with the activities of the great leaders and scholars that were in charge of Sokoto of years back. Certainly, not, because the kind of leadership is not the same, today its political leadership and followers of Nigerian politics know that, the present day politics can’t provide the kind of leadership the Sokoto of the past provided.

Analysts questioned the negative trend ascribed to Sokoto state. They asked several questions including but not limited to how can the great Sokoto state be rated among the educationally backward states in Nigeria? Why should Sokoto be rated among the poorest state in Nigeria? They are worried that it is not acceptable to count Sokoto state among states with negative statistics on child and maternal health; malnutrition should not be an issue in Sokoto. In fact Sokoto should not be among the state that should be faced with insecurity challenges.

But all these and more are prevalent challenges in Sokoto state and this call to question the kind of leadership the political class in the state are providing. For those who are concern about the happenings in the state, are begining to doubt all the positive publicities some top politicians in the state are enjoying for years.

One politician in the state that fortune has smiled on since the inception of this political dispensation in 1999 is Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, he has been around for so many years, from the grassroots to the mainstream politics of the state Wamakko has been at the forefront of leadership in the state. He was deputy governor for 7 years, governor for eight years and now Senator for nine years.

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Wamakko enjoyed positive publications as a governor and had some landmark achievements ascribed to his name. He was seen as one of the performing governor in the state. Even though critics and analysts have contrary opinions. They said in terms of impact and cost analysis of some of his projects and or their lifespan/durability, Wamakko’s tenure is more of a disservice to the people of Sokoto than a blessing.

To buttress their argument, the critics and analysts, drew the attention of people of Sokoto to compare what his predecessor Sen. Ibrahim Lamido has done in terms of quality, durability and relevance to the general wellbeing of Sokoto people and the plethora of substandard projects Wamakko littered Sokoto with.

They further argued that to assess the quality and sincerity of Wamakko as a leader, his nine years as a senator should be critically scrutinized and the result of the findings be made public for all to judge. According to the analysts, Wamakko has not represented his people well. As a Senator, they said, he has held privileged committees that should be beneficial to the entire Sokoto, but no soul aside members of his inner circle that has benefitted from his senatorship seat.

They explained that the years of neglect of local governments like Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Silame is the obvious reason why the Lakurawa terrorists group existed in the area for over 8 years unnoticed by the Nigeria government.

Sokoto North senatorial district comprises of Sokoto North and Sokoto South, Wamakko, Kware, Binji, Silame, Gudu and Tangaza, you go round these local government areas and point to one particular thing the senator has done for members of the senatorial district.

Yes the eastern senatorial district of Sokoto is facing serious security threat in the last seven years, and this has affected socioeconomic activities, which has increased the level of poverty in the region. However, for the last 17 months, things have began to change for better. Purposeful leadership and deliberate actions to change the fact of things can be witnessed.

The purposeful leadership of senator Ibrahim Lamido and deliberate attempt to find a lasting solution to the many challenges affecting the region are so glaring for all to see. For instance, the deliberate investment in education of youth from the region is one sure way of liberating the region from the grip of unscrupulous elements taking advantage of poor level of education in the area to recruit terrorists.

In an unprecedented move and boldness to confront the deep rooted challenges of poor quality of education, Sen. Lamido has sponsored about 50 youth from the zone to study in various fields of human endeavours in India. This is in addition to many interventions in the education sub-sector from the senator, who out concern to the education of youth, declared war against poor education in the region.

This is not happening in any of the senator districts of Sokoto including Sokoto central where Sen. Wamakko spent 9 years representing his constituents in the Red Chamber. It has never happened, it is not happening and I am not sure if there is any plan to do anything like this by the two other senators for the teeming youth in their respective zones. All the eight local government areas of the senatorial district need education intervention including the two metropolitan, but nothing close to this has ever happened. Why won’t Sokoto be rated as educationally backward state when leaders don’t see the need to invest in education of the teeming youth?

Due to the security challenges, Sokoto state is faced with a lot of humanitarian challenges as a result of banditry attacks. And Sen. Lamido has responded well to these challenges. He did not stopped at distribution of relief materials and visitation of victims of banditry attacks, rather engaged in a very robust package of intervention where over a hundred of widows were empowered with N250,000 each to engage in micro and small businesses so as to become self-reliant.

This is done, to facilitate the resuscitation of the economic activities of eastern senatorial district that has suffered from bandits attacks and Sen. Lamido is doing all these from the point of knowledge, that no nation can survive insurrection if it’s people are economically incapacitated.

In the entire nine years of Sen. Wamakko, nobody can provide the record that he has done this kind of gesture. Nobody is talking about giving rice and clothing materials to widows and orphans. Nobody is talking of photoshoot with people who genuinely need humanitarian assistance, but leaders are taking pictures to further exploit people in need of assistance.

Sen. Lamido’s contributions in fighting insecurity in the eastern part of Sokoto if replicated by other senators in the state, nobody would be talking about the Lakurawa terrorists group in Sokoto. Sen. Lamido had from time to time assist communities’ efforts towards ending insecurity. In fact, with permission by the federal security agencies, Sen. Lamido funded the civilian JTF to support the mainstream security personnel in fighting the terrorists operating in the zone. This is in addition to many efforts that can’t be express in black and white due to their sensitive nature all in a bid to restore peace and normalcy in his region.

Such exemplary leadership is lacking in other parts of the state including in Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Gudu Tangaza Binji, Wamakko, Silame and Kware where Senator Wamakko is representing.

Needless to engage in lengthy write up, if Sen. Wamakko in his 9 years did 10% of what Sen. Lamido has done in 17 months in fight insecurity, the Lakurawa terrorists group wouldn’t have penetrated into Nigeria.

The security challenges in the eastern part of Sokoto is receiving the adequate attention of Sen. Lamido. Beside his contributions in fighting banditry, the senator he has equally provided many communities with good drinking water, relief materials and other supports to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with a view to making their better.

Signed:
Concern Sokoto State Progressive Mind.
Convener

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