By Abdul Lawal

The Minister of Power Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, has inaugurated the project steering committee of Makurdi Hydro Power Plant, which is set to be the biggest hydro power plant in west Africa and will generate 1,650 megawatts.

The committee chaired by the minister power, has the Minister of water resources as co-chairman, with the Director General Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Mr. Alex Okoh, to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Committee.

Representatives of Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Plateau states are also on the committee.

The minister said a new hydro power plant in Makurdi Benue state will add to the base load which in-turn will provide a resilient grid.

The minister noted that Zungeru Hydro Power Plant of 700 megawatts is near completion at 97 per cent and will soon be commissioned while Kashimbilla Hydro Power Plant of 40 megawatts is already delivering power to the grid.

All these, he pointed out, are part of Buhari’s efforts aimed at utilization of hydro resources for power.

In his remarks the Minister of Water Resources Engr. Suleiman Adamu, emphasized the need and benefits of both ministries and relevant agencies of government working together through collaboration to fast track such projects that are of benefit to Nigerians.

Earlier in his address, Okoh expressed optimism that the Makurdi Hydro Power Project will contribute towards a sustainable and enduring solution to the power supply shortages in Nigeria.

Mr. Alex Okoh further said the Makurdi Hydropower Dam at Abinsi in Benue state will be executed through a public-private-partnership model.