The Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure have gained fresh momentum as FGN Power Company Limited deepened its collaboration with state authorities in Ebonyi and Enugu to push forward the Presidential Power Initiative.
The company disclosed that its recent high-level engagements with both state governments were targeted at fast-tracking the first phase of the initiative, a major programme focused on upgrading transmission and distribution systems to ensure more reliable power supply nationwide.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its Communications Lead, Magdalene Abang, the firm explained that its delegation, led by Chief Commercial Officer Babatunde Daramola-Oniru, met with Secretaries to the State Governments, commissioners, and other senior officials to align on critical infrastructure plans.
The statement read, “The management of FGN Power Company has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic stakeholder collaboration following high-level engagements with the Ebonyi and Enugu State Governments.
These meetings are a critical component of the ongoing efforts to accelerate Phase 1 of the Presidential Power Initiative, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The delegation, led by the Chief Commercial Officer of FGNPC, Babatunde Daramola-Oniru, met with the Secretaries to the State Governments, Commissioners of Energy, and key representatives to deepen alignment and ensure the seamless execution of vital power infrastructure projects within both states.”
Speaking during the meetings, Daramola-Oniru highlighted the importance of cooperation between federal authorities, state governments, and host communities, stressing that sustainable results would depend on more than just technical delivery.
He said, “The success of the Presidential Power Initiative goes beyond technical execution; it is rooted in strong partnerships with state governments, host communities, and key stakeholders.
Engaging stakeholders from the onset ensures local ownership, reduces implementation risks, and guarantees that these investments serve the people long after project completion.
What we are building is not just infrastructure, but a foundation for economic growth and improved quality of life.”
In Ebonyi, discussions focused on the proposed Ugwaji–Okposi 330kV double-circuit transmission line, a project expected to unlock stranded generation capacity and enhance grid stability across the South-East.
According to the company, the project will boost power evacuation capacity, thereby improving electricity delivery to households, businesses, and public facilities.
The Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike, welcomed the initiative, describing it as crucial to the state’s development goals.
She said, “We wholeheartedly welcome these projects and pledge our full support to ensure they are delivered on schedule.
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“In Ebonyi, the significance of this intervention cannot be overstated; it is the backbone required to power our international airport, our hospitals, and our schools.
We are committed to removing any bottlenecks to ensure our people reap these benefits quickly.”
In Enugu, government officials linked the initiative to ongoing urban renewal and economic transformation efforts.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasised that dependable electricity is key to the state’s ambition of becoming a modern smart city.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with His Excellency’s vision to transform Enugu into a modern smart city.
“A robust and reliable power network is the prerequisite for the digital and industrial revolution we are building.
Enugu is ready to support sectoral investments and provide the necessary cooperation to ensure FGN Power Company’s projects are a resounding success,” Onyia said.
FGN Power Company, established as a special-purpose vehicle to drive the initiative, is tasked with supporting the Federal Government’s goal of increasing grid capacity by 4,000 megawatts within three years.
The Presidential Power Initiative, being implemented in collaboration with Siemens Energy and engineering, procurement, and construction contractors, is designed to tackle persistent challenges within Nigeria’s power value chain, particularly in transmission and distribution.
Industry figures show that although the country has an installed generation capacity exceeding 13,000 megawatts, only about 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts reach consumers due to limitations in transmission and distribution networks.
To address these issues, the company noted that state governments will play vital roles in securing right-of-way approvals for transmission projects, resolving land and environmental concerns, and safeguarding infrastructure against vandalism.
It added that stronger collaboration at the state level would be essential in bridging the gap between federal policies and effective implementation on the ground, signalling a renewed push for coordinated action in the power sector.