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

Published

1 year ago

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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

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

4 days ago

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December 18, 2024

By

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

 

 

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

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I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

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Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

5 days ago

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December 16, 2024

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Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

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Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

6 days ago

on

December 15, 2024

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.

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