Kwara State’s reliable power supply is creating a favourable environment for investors.

Kwara State has made great strides in the field of power generation. As His Excellency Governor Dr Bukola Saraki has said, 'Our various efforts at achieving economic growth for our state can only achieve desired results if we are able to provide the necessary infrastructural support, especially electricity.' 

All but one of the National Independent Power Projects (NIPP] that were launched across Nigeria came to be abandoned over the course of years, but Kwara State intervened in the case of the Step-Down Station at Ganmo and 16bbied that it should be retained as a working entity. 

In the course of 2009, the renovated Ganmo sub-station was completed and given the natior1al seal of approval in that it was commissioned by the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua.

The technical implications of getting this distribution network to work to optimal capacity meant that power had to be evacuated from two 150MVA,330/132KV transformers; and from two 60 MVA, 132/33KVA transformers from Ganmo sub-station. To convert this power stream, the city of Ilorin requires a total of 39 transformers (6 x 15MVA, 33 x 11 KVA). 

Kwara State's ambitious power-generation programme has created a large number of opportunities for specialists in the provision of power, the maintenance of equipment, the installation of generators and related technical fields.

The delivery of power from the Ganmo station was a beacon on the way to the realisation of a major goal of the Saraki administration. As stated by the Governor: 'We recognise that our desire to industrialise our state can only be achieved if we are able to provide stable power supply.' Governor Saraki's conclusion in respect of the successful Ganmo operation and the achievement of a reliable power supply: 'The economic and social benefits of this can hardly be quantified.' 

The reliable supply of power in Kwara State is helping to attract commercial and industrial investors. Where a company might previously have spent several thousand naira on diesel to run its generators, a reliable power supply from the grid has helped to cut costs considerably. Some saw-mill operators reported huge savings in running costs within a few months of the Ganmo station starting to operate. 

In addition to this achievement, a dedicated Kwara Ministry of Energy was established in 2009, with a full cabinet responsibility to ensure adequate power supply and full electrification of every community by the year 2020. 

Rural electrification is another priority of government. Since the Saraki administration began its term of office in 2003, a total of 625 transformers have been acquired for electrification projects.

Contracts for the construction and installation of four injection sub-stations were awarded in 2009 for projects at Asa Dam, Agba Oam, Gaa Imam and Budo-Efo to enable effective evacuation of electricity from Ganmo to all parts of the state. 

Plans are under way for Sobi sub-station to be reinforced to service the Kwara Polytechnic axis. In 2009, a total of 129 communities were also connected to the national grid, while transformers of various ratings were supplied and installed to 182 communities in a variety of regions.

Investment Opportunities 

• Energy efficient lamps
• Alternative energy, including solar and wind power
• Power generation and distribution
• Power infrastructure maintenance
• Coal-fired power generation