Federal Government is to establish an emergency 100 megawatts fuel-powered electricity generating plant in Kaduna.

The minister of state for energy (power), Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim, who made the disclosure during the recent working visit to Kaduna, explained that the 100 megawatts was aimed at increasing the current power generating capacity in the country.

The minister said that the emergency plant would commence operation within the next nine months so as to enhance the economic activities of the state.

Hajiya Fatima further explained that the power supply problems experienced in the country were due to the 3,000 megawatts being generated, which had to be increased to 3,150 megawatts, saying efforts are now geared towards increasing the country’s power generating to 4,000 megawatts before the end of the year.

She commended the Kaduna State Government for planning to establish a 50 megawatts fuel-powered plant.

She also commended the 19 northern governors for exploring the possibility of generating power using other alternative sources, saying the federal government would support them in ensuring steady power supply in the country.

In his speech, Governor Mohammed Namadi Sambo of Kaduna State said his government earmarked three billion naira for the 50-megawatt fuel-powered electricity generating plant to increase the current power supply situation, particularly in the industrial areas.

He said the project would be implemented through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), saying a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would soon be signed between the state government and Geometric Alphine.