Olusola Bello
Siemens Energy, in partnership with Siemens AG will shortly commence work on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which will upgrade the electricity network to achieve operational capacity of 25,000 megawatts (MW) from the current average of around 4,500 MW, through a series of projects spanning three phases.
The commencement of work follows the signing of the award letter for the pre-engineering scope of the PPI project, during a ceremony at the presidential villa on Thursday 18th February 2021.
The pre-engineering scope of the the project will include engineering design works, specifications for onshore installation and commissioning works for the transmission and distribution systems. It also includes network development studies, power simulation, training, and support services.
“The signing of this contract award today, therefore, signifies the implementation of this landmark. Let me therefore, extend on behalf of Mr. President appreciation to the chairman and members of the Board as well as the executives of FGN Power Co, Siemens Energy, the project management office and my staff for attaining this stage in the implementation of the PPI,” said Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President.
“Today, I’m pleased that the pre-engineering phase is being commissioned to begin preparations of the design elements. Our implementing partners, Siemens, and the Special Purpose Vehicle – the FGN Power Company, set up to coordinate the PPI activities, are now fully mobilized. They are mandated to set up full project governance arrangements with the beneficiaries including the Distribution Companies, TCN and the Generation Companies,” said Zainab Ahmed, The Honorable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
Saleh Mamman pledged support of the Ministry of Power to FGN Power Co., Siemens Energy and Siemens AG.
“Siemens Energy is committed to work with the Federal Government of Nigeria through the FGN Power Co to see a successful implementation of the presidential power initiative. We have successfully carried out a similar project in Egypt. This project will transform the energy landscape of the country and we are grateful the government has entrusted us with this notable initiative. We are capable and we will deliver excellent results”. Managing Director, Siemens Energy Nigeria, Seun Suleiman.
Raising Nigeria’s operational electricity capacity to 25,000 MW will power various industries and businesses, as well as significantly improve access and reliability of power supply to the Nigerian people. This project will also facilitate the creation of thousands of jobs, while generating new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country. This will in turn increase Nigeria’s GDP and boost economic productivity.
The pre-engineering contract is the start of a longer-term approach.
The signing was witnessed by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President, Zainab Ahmed, Chairperson of FGN Power and Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and Saleh Mamman, Honourable Minister of Power. Also in attendance were Sean Manley, Siemens PPI Project Director, Oladayo Orolu, Head of Business Development and Government Affairs, Siemens Energy Nigeria, Sabine Erlinghagen, CEO Digital Grid Siemens AG, Christoph Menger, Head of Regional Sales, Distribution Systems Siemens AG, and Michael Schwan, Head of Power Technologies International, Siemens AG