Ogun to partner with Brazilian firm to build power plants

Dapo Abiodun, Ogun governor, has announced plans to partner with Ambar Energia, a Brazilian energy company, to build power plants across the state.

According to a statement on Tuesday, Abiodun spoke when he received Ambar Energia’s delegation, led by Marcelo Zanatta, its president, at his office in Abeokuta.

The governor said the initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to guarantee adequate power supply and food security to residents, as well as thousands of industries operating in the state.

He stressed the importance of utilising the amended 1999 constitution, which permits states to generate their own electricity.

As the country’s industrial hub, the politician said Ogun urgently requires more energy to support many factories operating within it, noting that the current power allocation is insufficient.

According to the governor, Ogun and Lagos account for approximately 40 percent of the 6,000 megawatts of electricity generated nationwide.

He said with Nigeria’s energy demand expected to reach 45,000 megawatts by 2030, the country presents significant opportunities for the company to explore.

“The power plant we are building now had four megawatts before, but we are increasing that with the one we are currently building,” Abiodun said.

“The first phase is meant to be 30 megawatts to serve the state government offices and residential areas, and this is just a drop in the ocean.

“What we plan to do is to build similar plants in the three zones of the state, and they will be like captive plants. We desire to partner with Ambar to generate the required electricity for the state and also assist in the distribution.”

Abiodun highlighted the state’s abundant natural resources, including gold, lithium, bitumen, silica, and limestone, adding that the state leads in the production of cement, cassava, poultry, and eggs — hence the need for adequate electricity supply “to fully harness these potentials”.

Abiodun further disclosed that construction of Africa’s largest garment production facility would soon commence at the special agro processing zone near the Gateway International Airport and would need 300 megawatts of electricity for its operations.

He said given Ambar Energia’s reputation as one of the top five energy companies, with 27 plants and a production capacity of approximately 4.3 gigawatts, Ogun could partner with the firm to maximise its potential as a prime investment destination in Nigeria.

“Government must work with the private sector because it cannot do business,” he said.

“The government is an enabler of businesses, and we believe that by enabling businesses, they will employ citizens, leading to individual prosperity.”

Speaking on behalf of Ambar Energia, Zanatta expressed the company’s willingness to share its expertise with the state and identify potential investment opportunities within Ogun.

ABIODUN TO ESTABLISH LARGEST FARMERS’ MARKET IN ABEOKUTA

In a related development, the governor also received a delegation from Brazilian conglomerates JBJ, JBS, and SEARRA Group, led by Jose Batista, to discuss potential investments in large-scale agriculture.

He said the state’s 16,000-square-kilometer landmass, with over 12,000 square kilometers of arable land, presents a perfect opportunity for agricultural investors.

Abiodun said Ogun has over 200,000 registered farmers who are engaged in the production of different types of farm produce and are ready to work with any large-scale farmers or agriculture-based organisations.

He also announced plans to establish the state’s largest farmers’ market in Abeokuta, where farm produce would be processed and sold at affordable prices.

“So far, N5.4 billion has been spent on supporting and training our farmers,” he added.

Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s “well-developed” road network, integrated transportation system, and gas infrastructure as major benefits for potential investors, encouraging the Brazilian firms to leverage the opportunities, and assuring them of a business-friendly environment.

In response, Batista expressed satisfaction with the state’s conducive business environment and extended an invitation to the governor to visit Brazil for further discussions.

He pledged to explore areas where his company could offer assistance to help Nigeria meet its food needs.