Nigerian private-sector power-producing group, Sahara Power, has announced that its new Afam 2 gas-fired power plant has now ramped up its output to 160 MW, all feeding into the Nigerian national grid. Afam 2, which was commissioned in June, has a designed maximum capacity of 180 MW.

“It is noteworthy that this achievement was recorded with zero downtime incidents, reflecting the expertise and technical excellence of the team on the ground,” pointed out Sahara Power Group MD Dr Kola Adesina. “We are proud of the team and our collective achievement.”

The importance of Afam 2 was signalled by the fact that the commissioning of the plant was undertaken by Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sahara Power affirmed that the power plant had become a “critical contributor” to the country’s energy supply.

Afam 2 has been able to reach the 160 MW mark thanks to an improved supply of gas to the plant, plus continuing infrastructure upgrades. These are allowing the power plant to optimise its output, aligned with national demand.

“The plant’s performance reflects Sahara Group’s commitment to bringing energy to life responsibly, ensuring reliable power for homes, communities, and businesses nationwide,” stated the group. “[T]he plant plays a pivotal role in Sahara Group’s broader strategy of delivering cleaner, more reliable energy solutions to support socioeconomic growth.”

A subsidiary of the Sahara energy and infrastructure group, the Sahara Power Group includes Nigeria’s biggest single power plant, and one of the biggest privately owned thermal plants in sub-Saharan Africa, Egbin Power. It also includes leading Nigerian generation company First Independent Power, and the country’s biggest power distribution company, Ikeja Electric.

“Sahara Group is grateful for the collaboration and support from regulators, stakeholders, and host communities in our bid to drive inclusive energy access across Nigeria,” affirmed Adesina. The development, and ramping up of the output of, Afam 2 emphasised that the group was aligned with the Nigerian federal government’s infrastructure development and energy transition objectives.