FG concessions Kashimbila Hydropower station
By Matthew Denis
The Federal Government has officially concessioned the Kashimbila Hydropower Station to KP Hydro Limited. The significant move was celebrated at a ceremony on October 5, 2024, held at the site of the dam in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.
This is as the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, described the signing of the Taraba state electricity bill into law on the 3rd of October 2024, as one of the milestone achievements of his administration.
Speaking, Dr Agbu Kefas noted that the law will ensure that the state has a legal framework to commence full operation of the state’s electricity market and for the hydropower project to be regulated adequately for the benefit of all, adding that the ceremonial handing over of the Kashimbila Power plant to its new owner is a positive step towards economic development and greatness for the state.
“The event is not just about the transfer of ownership but a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable energy and economic prosperity. A reliable power supply is essential for everything from the daily life of the citizens to the growth of industries and businesses. With the development, the state can power schools, hospitals, factories and homes,” he said.
According to Dr Agbu Kefas, the Kashimbila Power Plant stands as a symbol of the transformation of the state in addressing the energy needs of the people through renewable, clean, and sustainable means.
Additionally, the Governor said his long-term plan for the state is to develop renewable and sustainable energy sources within the state to be the net exporter of energy to other states and even the neighbouring Republic of Cameroon.
To the Kashimbila communities, the Governor thanked them for their patience, support, and partnership throughout the construction of the power plant and its operation so far.
To the new owner of the Kashimbila Power plant, the Governor urged them to preserve the critical asset and ensure efficiency in the operation of the plant.
He expressed hope that the local community and businesses will benefit from their operations, employment, and corporate social responsibility opportunities as part of their mandate.
Dr Agbu Kefas urged them to work hand in hand with the State Ministry of Energy and Economic Development to ensure that local communities benefit from the project.
He thanked General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, Retired, for such an initiative, which he described as a legacy for the state.
The Former Minister of Defense, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma who is the new owner of the KP Hydro Limited, said the Kashimbila hydro dam is the largest investment of the federal government in Taraba state.
Gen TY Danjuma thanked the Federal government for the investment and said the company that has been given the power to run and maintain the operation of the facility belongs to him and he fought for it doggedly.
He said for the power to be distributed to the state, a lot needs to be done, noting that the whole state needs to be rewired because substandard cables were used, which can explode if the energy from the dam is released and quickly assured that the state will achieve the rewiring.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, represented by the Director of Public Private Partnership, Engr. Zaccheaus Akinjogbin, said the dam was conceived to check imminent danger from the collapse of Lake Nyos in Cameroon.
The engineering design incorporated 40 megawatts of electricity, among other benefits.
He said the process of the concession began in 2021 following all due process, and the aim is to provide jobs, lift Nigerians out of poverty, provide health care and improve the general standards of living of Nigerians.
He thanked the TY Danjuma Foundation for the construction of the Kashimbila airport at no cost to the federal government.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Kashimbila Hydro Limited expressed confidence that the partnership will bring more development to the state through knowledge, skills transfer, and increased economic activities.
He assured the Kashimbila community of the commitment of the company to the growth of the area.
In a remark, the Commissioner of Energy and Economic Development, Taraba state, Engr Naomi Agbu, said the occasion represents a departure of the state towards energy independence, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Engr Naomi Agbu said energy is key to driving economic growth and development of any society and that the Kashimbila Power plant stands as a testament to leading the state to a new era.
She commended the Governor for signing the Electricity Act 2024 into law and lauded the commitment of the Governor to electrify the 16 local government areas to ensure clean energy for the people.
