TheCable

The federal government, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 10 megawatts power plant for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Hadi Sirika, minister of state for aviation, said the independent power plant (IPP) is to complement electricity supply at the airport.

The minister added that the project was executed due to the high electricity demand following the construction of the new international terminal.

“It is very significant that we commission this project now because immediately we took over office, Mr President directed that we must complete all ongoing projects including Abuja airport,” Sirika said.

“There was a lot of planning deficiencies identified with the new terminal because they didn’t take into cognisance the issue of power deficiency.

“In response to address this deficiency, we commenced this project amongst many others.

“This independent power plant is part of the deficiency of the airport that has been rectified just now.”

Rabiu Yadudu, the new managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said the completion of the new terminal needed additional power supply in order to be efficient.

“This appropriately aligns with the federal government’s plan in decentralising power supply aimed at attracting private sector investments in ensuring reliable and adequate power supply to consumers,” Yadudu said.