ICRC Reviews Zungeru Hydropower Project to Boost Output

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has initiated a review of the $1.3 billion Zungeru Hydropower Project, which has a capacity of 700 megawatts but is currently generating only 350 megawatts for the National Grid. This review aims to address contractual and operational constraints affecting the plant's performance.

The ICRC is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Penstock Limited, the concessionaire managing the project. During a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, ICRC Director-General Ewalefoh emphasized the importance of optimizing PPP power assets like Zungeru, especially as the Federal Government seeks to tackle Nigeria's electricity issues.

He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to resolving power challenges and clarified that the ICRC's role is to monitor compliance with PPP agreements rather than being a party to them. The review aims to identify and resolve issues hindering the plant's optimal operation.