by Chris Ikechukwu

Lafarge Africa, Finland’s Wartsila and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have planned to boost electricity supply in Nigeria with the addition of a 220 MW power plant to Lafarge’s existing 90 MW plant which is used mainly for its cement operations.

The proposed gas-fired power plant, whose cost was not disclosed, is expected to boost electricity supplies and provide more electricity to about 1.4 million households in Nigeria.

Lafarge’s already supplies about 40 MW of excess power already to the country’s national grid, so once the new plant is built, about 260 MW will be added under a power purchase agreement.

Under the agreement, Wartsila will build and manage the power plant while Lafarge Africa will manage the project.

The World Bank’s private sector development division will provide financial support and advisory services.

Emmanuel Chidiogo