- Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, made the plea at the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing
- The project is set to be worth US 5.792 billion.
- The project will generate 3050 Megawatts and will be connected to three dams across the Donga River.
President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed for the support of the Chinese government towards the completion of the Mambilla Power Project in Taraba State. Buhari made the plea at the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, reports the Guardian.
The Nigerian President said: “We have been informed that our submission on this project is undergoing assessment by the relevant Chinese agencies. My wish is that you join me for the groundbreaking ceremony of this project in the not too distant future.”
Responding to the plea, President Xi Jinping assured his counterpart of his government’s support. “We understand how critical the project is to your country and we will take a serious look at it and ensure that it succeeds because of its social and economic benefits,” said Jinping.
In September 2017, the government of Nigeria approved a $5.792 billion contract, which was meant to enable construction work to begin on the Mambilla hydropower project.
Making the announcement at the time, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola highlighted that several efforts had been made to bring the hydropower project into reality.“I’m happy to announce that this government approved the contract… to joint ventures of Chinese Civil and Engineering Company for the engineering and turn-key contract, including civil and electro-mechanical works for US 5.792 billion,” stated Fashola.
The project will generate 3050 Megawatts and will be connected to three dams across the Donga River. The project was initially realised in 1982. Since then the project has seen many obstacles. In November 7, 2012 Nigeria signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Sinohydro Corporation to build Mambilla Power Station. Completion of the project was expected this year (2018) however, the contract was cancelled a year later in 2013.
This article was originally published on ESI Africa and is republished with permission and content addition. Link to original
