ABUJA — The Federal Government has signed the Concession Agreement for the Grand Katsina-Ala Hydropower Project. The government also formally appointed Maverick Energy Partners as the preferred concessionaire for the development. The Nation reported the signing on Saturday, May 31.
The Katsina-Ala River runs through Benue State. The hydropower project, once operational, will generate hundreds of megawatts of clean electricity for the surrounding region. Officials said the project is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Net Zero Investment Plan and its push toward renewable energy diversification.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu said the concession marks a turning point for Nigeria’s energy sector. He said private sector involvement through concession arrangements is the fastest route to adding generation capacity without burdening the federal budget.
Energy Gap Still Wide
Nigeria generates between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts of electricity daily against an estimated demand of over 30,000 megawatts. The gap has persisted for decades despite multiple government interventions. Clean hydro projects like Katsina-Ala offer a long-term solution that is both climate-friendly and cost-efficient.
Maverick Energy Partners said construction will begin within 12 months of financial close. The company said it has already engaged local engineering firms and plans to prioritise Nigerian workers across all construction and operational phases.
Civil society groups welcomed the signing but urged the government to ensure the host communities in Benue State benefit directly through electricity access, employment, and revenue-sharing arrangements. They said past hydropower projects in Nigeria have produced electricity for the national grid while leaving host communities in darkness.
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