FG engages Chinese firm to revive $2.35bn Mambilla power project

The federal government has engaged China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), also known as Energy China, to explore options for delivering the long-delayed Mambilla Hydropower Project in Taraba State.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja to mark his first 100 days in office.

Tegbe said the ministry had directed the Chinese firm to examine the most practical approach to executing the project, including the possibility of delivering it in phases.

“We have engaged Energy China on Mambilla and asked them to look at how best we can deliver the project, including the possibility of doing it in phases,” he said.

The minister said Mambilla remained part of the government’s medium- and long-term strategy for expanding Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity.

He said the strategy also covered smaller hydropower projects that could support agricultural production corridors.

Tegbe said Nigeria’s recent engagement with Chinese companies and financiers had also secured commitments to accelerate several priority electricity projects.

He said China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) had reaffirmed its role in the 1.9-gigawatt Presidential Power Initiative, with the first transmission lines scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027.

“CMEC has reaffirmed its commitment to the Presidential Power Initiative, and the first transmission lines are scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027,” Tegbe said.