Diplomats tour US Assisted 450 MW Gas plant in Edo State

America remains committed in assisting African countries add more than 30,000 megawatts (MW) of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity and 60 million new connections in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

Photo 1: United States Consul General Francis John Bray (left) with Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole during a courtesy visit heralding the U.S. delegation’s tour of Power Africa projects in Edo State, on Tuesday. Photo Credit: United States Consulate General Lagos

U.S. Consul General F. John Bray and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Nigeria Michael Harvey visited Edo State July 26 - 27 to assess the progress of partnered investments that advance U.S. President Barack Obama’s signature initiative Power Africa.

Commenting on the progress of the projects, Bray said, “The work of bringing much more electricity to many more people in Nigeria and Africa is well underway. We recognize the great challenges ahead.  But through Power Africa, the United States and our African partners are committed to improving lives, and energizing economies.”

Consul General Bray and Mission Director Harvey toured the construction site of Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant, a landmark 450 MW open cycle gas turbine power plant that represents Nigeria’s first new plant in over a decade. 

Power Africa officials and USAID worked with the government of Nigeria and the private sector to set the power plant on a successful trajectory.

 The construction of Azura-Edo Power Plant is bringing hundreds of jobs and the prospect of reliable energy to Edo State and beyond. 

 Consul General Bray and Mission Director Harvey also visited Ihovbor Power Plant to assess how best Power Africa can assist. 

 The U.S. officials also discussed ongoing cooperation with Benin Distribution Company, as part of a two-year agreement signed in May 2016 for Power Africa to provide consultation aimed at improving systems and infrastructure for more reliable consumer access to electricity.

While in Benin, Consul General Bray and Mission Director Harvey met with Governor of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole and His Royal Highness Edaiken N'Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa.

Two out of three people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. 

 U.S. President Obama in 2013, announced that America would be working with African governments, the private sector, and other partners to add more than  30,000 megawatts (MW) of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity and 60 million new connections in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 in what is called Power Africa.