Minister Expresses Dissatisfaction with Kaduna’s 215-Megawatt Power Station

• The Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, criticized the management of Kaduna Electric for not being transparent about the challenges the company and power distribution sector are facing
• The minister stressed the need to improve power generation and distribution in the country, particularly in the northern region, and announced collaboration with security agencies to combat power asset vandalization

The Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, has voiced his displeasure over the current state of the 215-megawatt Kudenden power generation plant in Kaduna State and promised its completion soon.

During his visit to the plant and the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric), the minister also criticized the management of Kaduna Electric for not being transparent about the challenges the company and the power distribution sector are facing, especially within its franchise area.

He highlighted that Kaduna Electric’s payment of only nine percent of their debts is unacceptable, stating, “If the DisCos are paying 75 to 80 percent of their debts, I will go and sleep because the 10 to 20 percent shortfalls could be handled.”

The minister stressed the need to improve power generation and distribution in the country, particularly in the northern region. He expressed frustration with the project’s progress, emphasizing that the plant would soon be operational.

“We met with the executive management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to discuss performance and address issues impacting electricity generation, such as power theft and vandalization of power assets,” Adelabu said. He noted that these issues, particularly prevalent in the northern region, have destabilized electricity distribution.

Adelabu announced a collaboration with the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Interior, and other security agencies to combat power asset vandalization. He also called on northern governors to address security threats to power infrastructure.

At Kaduna Electric, the minister urged transparency, comparing it to a patient being open with a doctor for proper treatment. He stated, “We need to know the amount generated, the population served, the infrastructure available, capacity, and meter gaps to create a sense of urgency and ensure all stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the executive, and end users, are informed.”

Adelabu acknowledged Nigerians’ legitimate complaints about power distribution, emphasizing improving service delivery. He stated, “There must be funds first. You cannot expect a supplier to continue providing services without paying outstanding debts. If DisCos pay 75 to 80 percent of their debts, the remaining shortfall can be managed, but nine percent is unacceptable.”

The Kudenden power plant project was awarded in November 2009 to General Electric and Rockson Engineering for a dual thermal plant using Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and natural gas, with an initial completion deadline of December 31, 2013. This deadline was later extended to 2017, when the project was 87 percent complete. The plant is designed to use eight turbine units to boost power supply in the industrial area, revive textile industries, and create jobs.