The Federal government said the fast racking of the on-going fast key power projects was one way of fighting insurgency in the North-East region, as the efforts would lead to socio economic emancipation, food security and poverty alleviation.
Minister of State for Power, Mohammad Wakil, who made the disclosure while receiving a delegation of the Economic Summit Group (ESG)also argued that the Mambilla Hydro project had been on the drawing board for decades without any meaningful sign of take-off, until the present administration restarted it.
He said the project, with a whopping sum of $7billion, had capacity to deliver 3,050mw to the national grid.
He also said that the Kashimbilla Multi-purpose Dam in Tarabastate would not only provide water for domestic purpose and irrigation,but also the electricity component would be activated to add 40mw to the national grid.
He further added that other transmission line projects were on course to evacuate power and enhance the quality of electricity supply in both Borno and Yobestates.
He assured the delegation, led by the former Director-General of PENCOM, Mohammed KabiruAhmed, thatgovernment would not rest in its efforts in the realization of the objectives contained in the group’s mandate.
“The group should in line with its mandate, draw-up a comprehensive Recovery agenda like the Marshal Plan, that will provide workable solutions to issues that have been thrown up especially those that will help avert impending food crisis,” he said.
The leader of the group assured the Minister that the group appreciated the “enormous responsibility” entrusted on them, saying they would assist government in the harmonization of development programmes for the benefit of the common people living in the region
“We are grateful to Mr. President for breaking the jinx on power projects, Mambilla and Zungeru were conceived by late Ahmadu Bello’s Administration, Kashimbilla is almost completed, so also the transmission projects, they are at 90 percent completion,” he said.
