The Sokoto independent electricity project has stalled for 11 years despite gulping more than four billion naira, findings by Daily Trust Saturday have shown.The independent power project (IPP) was awarded at the initial cost of N3.8 billion by the Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako administration in November 2008, to provide 24-hour electricity to the state.

The project will generate 38 megawatts of electricity, to be completed within six months.The contract was awarded to the United States-based energy company, Vulcan Capital Energy, to be executed through a subsidiary partner, Vulcan Elvaton Limited. But over three years after it was built, the power plant couldn’t generate any electricity because of fuelling challenges.

During the test run of the plant on November 30, 2009, the director-general of the project, Mr Umar Bande, said the plant will consume 33,000 litres of diesel daily, which translates into 12,045,000 litres of diesel in 365 days.

The plant has a dual type turbine that can use diesel, gas or LPFO, according to state officials.

An energy expert, Mr. Kunle Danile, told Daily Trust Saturday that the Sokoto power project was ill-conceived, therefore bound to fail. “Any generating power plant designed for the mass market, and is diesel-driven, can’t be sustained,” he said.

When contacted, Sokoto state officials only repeated what they told this newspaper over three years ago, indicating that the plant is a white elephant project.

When Daily Trust Saturday visited the plant last week, it observed that there was no sign of activity, with the entrance gates locked.

Expensive power

An earlier investigation by this newspaper revealed that the Sokoto State power plant will generate electricity at N178 per kilowatt, more than three times its price then, in the region.

Data from the Nigerian Electricity Company of Nigeria (NERC) shows the highest approved price for residential customers under the Kaduna Distribution Company (Kedco) which Sokoto belongs, is N45 per kilowatt.

At the 33,000 litres daily estimate, findings show that the state will be spending an average of N6.8 million daily on diesel at a market value of N206 per litre. This means that the plant will consume N204 million worth of diesel every month.

By this, the annual cost of diesel to be consumed by the plant is N2.47 billion every year which means it will be taking more than two-thirds of its worth on fuel every year.

By the estimated 33,000 diesel per day, the plant will need to burn 868 litres of diesel to generate just one megawatt.This means that at the 868 litre per megawatt consumption of the plant at a market value of N206 per litre will translate into the state government spending N178,808 for every megawatt.

Further analysis shows that at N178,808 cost per megawatt generation, the Sokoto plant will have to generate each kilowatt at N178.8.

Kaduna Electric, whose network will convey the power to the Sokoto customers sells electricity at N45.76 per kilowatt hour, according to the 2015 MYTO for Kaduna electric approved by NERC.And the highest cost of electricity per kilowatt hour in Kaduna zone is paid by the residential customer class (R4) at N45.76. Therefore, the power to be generated by the Sokoto plant will be above the reach of its customers.

Completion dates flip-flopping

Daily Trust Saturday has over the years reported how the project, scheduled to be completed within six months in the first quarter of 2009, was stalled for 11 years now, over what state officials described as “unforeseen circumstances.”The deadline was first shifted to September 2009, later to December 2010 and to July 2011. It was then extended to September 2013 and later August 2014, and the dates keep changing.

As of November 2016, the Chief Operating Officer of the contracting firm, Vulcan Elvaton Ltd, Mr Franklin Ngbor, said the turbine of the plant had already been tested three times.He said the synchronisation of the plant with the fuel tank and the main evacuation line, down to the transmission line was the only thing remaining. But three years after, the fuelling challenge is yet to be overcome, thereby stalling the project.

Insiders told Daily Trust Saturday that the state government contemplated the use of diesel as Mr Bande said, but the cost, logistics, safety and even availability of diesel dissuaded them from that option.Another option weighed by the officials was fuelling the plant with compressed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Mr Bande said that time that they contemplated using Goronyo Dam to power the plant but discarded the plan because of studies which show that a lot of money would be spent and that it would not be economical.

Nothing much to worry about – Commissioner

When contacted, the state commissioner for energy and petroleum resources, Aliyu Balarabe Dandinmahe, said there is nothing to worry about the project because “it is actually nearing completion and we have achieved about 96 percent stage of completion.”

“It is just finishing touches remaining. Technically, it is just connecting the fuel tank to the main generator, connecting the other accessories, that is the remaining thing, that is the technical aspect,” he said, almost repeating what the contractor said three years ago.

Speaking on the cause of the delay, the commissioner said: “There is nothing much to worry about, only that the contractors whose foreign partners would have to come from abroad, stayed away during the election, they said they were waiting for elections to hold.”

“They came, they re-assessed the project and went back. we are waiting for them to come back and do the remaining work,” he said, adding: “Now that I’m back to the office, I’ll invite them and hear from them when they’ll come back.”

What Sokoto should do – Expert

Mr Kunle said what the state government should have done was to improve its power distribution network by asking the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to step down more 33KVA lines in the zone.

“It is not profitable to use the diesel-driven plant to generate power for the mass market. It can only be profitable if you use the energy to produce commodity which Nigerians have no option than to buy. Even at that, the cost of the commodity must be high,” the energy expert said.

He said considering fuelling the plant with diesel is almost impossible because the state has to use its meagre resources to subsidise the energy to the consumers.“The cost of the energy to be generated is exorbitant. We all said this when it was started. Nobody can buy it even if produced. The state can’t sustain it,” he said.

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/after-gulping-billions-sokoto-power-project-stalls-for-11-years.html

Front page: Lalasticlala mynd44

The plant has a dual type turbine that can use diesel, gas or LPFO, according to state officials.

This is sokoto's biggest white elephant project. Anyway can the state get alternate source of fuel from Niger Republic?

Thats How cross river got their own Fake power project titled Ayade power plant.....untill now there is hardly any light.

White mammoth project.

95% of governors embark on big projects not for the benefit of the masses but rather to have a good ground to steal public by appropriating extraneous amount to the project.

To consume 33k litres daily? That is a full trailer tanker per day.

Unsustainable, especially for a poor state like sokoto with very low IGR.

Hydro power station may be expensive, but surely is the cheapest source of electricity and a state can embark on such projects, though, may span over 3 years.

Sokoto state has water, to build a dam shouldn't be too difficult for a state govt and that will take care of the fuelling for an acceptable length of time.

Turbine and other required facilities are almost same price with the fuel-driven system.

Vulcanheph:
Thats How cross river got their own Fake power project titled Ayade power plant.....untill now there is hardly any light.

Interesting maybe journalists will cover it if they get a tip.

Flyingngel:
95% of governors embark on big projects not for the benefit of the masses but rather to have a good ground to steal public by appropriating extraneous amount to the project.

The sad part is the state assemblies are the real rubber stamp legislature.

Blue3k2:



This is sokoto's biggest white elephant project. Anyway can the state get alternate source of fuel from Niger Republic?

Alternatively, since sokoto state is blessed with high intensity of sunlight, they sell the installed equipment and re-invest in solar power generation.

I still don't understand how a state will invest such huge amount in fuel-driven project without guarantee of fuel supply.

Not surprised.

[s]

Simplyleo:

Alternatively, since sokoto state is blessed with high intensity of sunlight, they sell the installed equipment and re-invest in solar power generation.

I still don't understand how a state will invest such huge amount in fuel-driven project without guarantee of fuel supply.

[/s]

[s]

voltron14:
White mammoth project.

[/s]

Blue3k2:



This is sokoto's biggest white elephant project. Anyway can the state get alternate source of fuel from Niger Republic?

What of the scam power plant that Fashola claimed to have built in Alausa when he was a governor

What of the floating power plant that Tinubu bought that has now disappeared into thin air

TylerDurden:


What of the scam power plant that Fashola claimed to have built in Alausa when he was a governor

What of the floating power plant that Tinubu bought that has now disappeared into thin air

The pointing governor said they're expanding Alausa to 30mw. I dont know about the floating plants. Scam power plants would be sn excellent series for daily trust if there's bunch to look into.

[s]

Blue3k2:


The pointing governor said they're expanding Alausa to 30mw. I dont know about the floating plants. Scam power plants would be sn excellent series for daily trust if there's bunch to look into.

[/s]

The Alausa power plant is by far the most expensive power plant ever built.

The 10.6 MW generator that was built at a cost of N400 million per MW

Where is the gas pipeline that Fashola awarded to Oando for this scam project.

I remember how many of you alausa rodents where defending this scam project.

Face your filthy corrupt SW and leave Sokoto and Akwa Ibom State.

I remember you were the one crying over Akwa Ibom building a Church.

What of the National Mosque that was built with Tax payers' money and even has the Imam and staff of the mosque under the FG pay roll.

So what next?

Is it gone or is there still hope?

That's what matters.

Such amount cannot be wasted

Simplyleo:
To consume 33k litres daily? That is a full trailer tanker per day.

Unsustainable, especially for a poor state like sokoto with very low IGR.

Hydro power station may be expensive, but surely is the cheapest source of electricity and a state can embark on such projects, though, may span over 3 years.

Sokoto state has water, to build a dam shouldn't be too difficult for a state govt and that will take care of the fuelling for an acceptable length of time.

Turbine and other required facilities are almost same price with the fuel-driven system.

The state is ruled by educated illiterate

The independent power project (IPP) was awarded at the initial cost of N3.8 billion by the Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako administration in November 2008, to provide 24-hour electricity to the state

.

Billions wasted embezzled just like that

The hypocrisy of Yorubas stinks to high heavens.

This same OP was defending the scam 10.6MW power plant that Fashola built for over 4 billion naira.

This same OP is yet to tell us where the Floating power plant that was docked on the Lagoon and bought by Tinubu is

Blue3k, what about the Lagos Cable Car project

What happened to the Lagos Yatch hotel that Tinubu used state funds to buy only for it to disappear over night from the Lagos Wharf dock.

Bloody Hypocrites.

Nah another person own nah dey see.

TylerDurden:
The hypocrisy of Yorubas stinks to high heavens.

This same OP was defending the scam 10.6MW power plant that Fashola built for over 4 billion naira.

This same OP is yet to tell us where the Floating power plant that was docked on the Lagoon and bought by Tinubu is

Blue3k, what about the Lagos Cable Car project

What happened to the Lagos Yatch hotel that Tinubu used state funds to buy only for it to disappear over night from the Lagos Wharf dock.

Bloody Hypocrites.

Nah another person own nah dey see.

Are you a zombie, spam bot or robot?

How does this news concerns Yoruba's?

Do you people sleep and dream of Yoruba every hour ni?

This obsession is real oo

TylerDurden:
[s]

The Alausa power plant is by far the most expensive power plant ever built.

The 10.6 MW generator that was built at a cost of N400 million per MW

Where is the gas pipeline that Fashola awarded to Oando for this scam project.

I remember how many of you alausa rodents where defending this scam project.

Face your filthy corrupt SW and leave Sokoto and Akwa Ibom State.

I remember you were the one crying over Akwa Ibom building a Church.

What of the National Mosque that was built with Tax payers' money and even has the Imam and staff of the mosque under the FG pay roll.[/s]

Lol stop acting foolish dude. I never commented on the power projects. I already agreed if they're scams they should be exposed. Religious zealot dont use other wasteful projects as your excuse to waste billions on a church. You're just admitting you'll do something stupid because the next man did aswell. It's crazy how you clowns reason.

A religious zealot would rather have church than expand the states public water.

[s]

Blue3k2:



Lol stop acting foolish dude. I never commented on the power projects. I already agreed if they're scams they should be exposed. Religious zealot dont use other wasteful projects as your excuse to waste billions on a church. You're just admitting you'll do something stupid because the next man did aswell. It's crazy how you clowns reason.

[/s]

You did not complain when FG is subsidizing pilgrimage for Muslims.

You did not complain when the FG built central mosques in Abuja and continues to fund the salaries of the Mosque staff and Chief Imam

You are a bloody afonja yaribanza muslim hypocrite!

slimfit1:

The state is ruled by educated illiterate

And which state is ruled by educated literate?

[s]

helinues:


Are you a zombie, spam bot or robot?

How does this news concerns Yoruba's?

Do you people sleep and dream of Yoruba every hour ni?

This obsession is real oo

[/s]

You leave wetin dey your shokoto carry your amebo go sokoto

Face the corruption in your blighted region

Hypocrite!

TylerDurden:
[s][/s]

You leave wetin dey your shokoto carry your amebo go sokoto

Face the corruption in your blighted region

Hypocrite!

This thread is about Sokoto..

Someone already talked about the white elephant power plant project by Ayade ( WE SS), I dey sure say glue dey your eyes to see that but na SW matter you wan carry for head like gala

Developers are indeed more concerned about the development of other regions than theirs

[s]

helinues:


This thread is about Sokoto..

Someone already talked about the white elephant power plant project by Ayade ( WE SS), I dey sure say glue dey your eyes to see that but na SW matter you wan carry for head like gala

Developers are indeed more concerned about the development of other regions than theirs

[/s]

stop forming SERAP for Sokoto

TylerDurden:
[s][/s]

You did not complain when FG is subsidizing pilgrimage for Muslims.

You did not complain when the FG built central mosques in Abuja and continues to fund the salaries of the Mosque staff and Chief Imam

You are a bloody afonja yaribanza muslim hypocrite!

Lol you're foolishness is getting out hand. Now you're reduced to telling idiotic lies religious zealot. Pray for your Gods forgiveness immediately. You clowns want to waste money so bad. You couldnt care less about developmental projects. Do you even care the state cut budgets for the water board?

TylerDurden:
[s][/s]

stop forming SERAP for Sokoto

Stop forming ICPC for Lagos

Blue3k2:



Lol stop acting foolish dude. I never commented on the power projects. I already agreed if they're scams they should be exposed. Religious zealot dont use other wasteful projects as your excuse to waste billions on a church. You're just admitting you'll do something stupid because the next man did aswell. It's crazy how you clowns reason.

A religious zealot would rather have church than expand the states public water.

Those guys have real big problems. The believe only what they want to believe.

Their hatred is real, Nollywood movies is a case study

TylerDurden:
[s][/s]

You did not complain when FG is subsidizing pilgrimage for Muslims.

You did not complain when the FG built central mosques in Abuja and continues to fund the salaries of the Mosque staff and Chief Imam

You are a bloody afonja yaribanza muslim hypocrite!

There are both Christian and Muslim agencies at the federal govt level. And I doubt if there is any difference in their funding from the federal govt.

However, your interest is how the Muslims spend their allocation, even though you are not a Muslim.

And here you are fuming and attempting to insult both tribe and religion over what is entirely non of your business. Is this how you were brought up or a nature?

If Muslim hajj is subsidised, is same not applied to christian pilgrimage? Aren't there Christian bodies and organisations whose staffing are borne by the federal govt?

helinues:


Those guys have real big problems. The believe only what they want to believe.

Their hatred is real, Nollywood movies is a case study

This guy is simply a religious zealot that projecting his madness on everyone else.

Simplyleo:

If Muslim hajj is subsidised, is same not applied to christian pilgrimage? Aren't there Christian bodies and organisations whose staffing are borne by the federal govt?

Instead of ending these wasteful programs he wants to fight his imaginary enemies. These religious zealots are foolish bunch.

[s]

Simplyleo:
To consume 33k litres daily? That is a full trailer tanker per day.

Unsustainable, especially for a poor state like sokoto with very low IGR.

Hydro power station may be expensive, but surely is the cheapest source of electricity and a state can embark on such projects, though, may span over 3 years.

Sokoto state has water, to build a dam shouldn't be too difficult for a state govt and that will take care of the fuelling for an acceptable length of time.

Turbine and other required facilities are almost same price with the fuel-driven system.

[/s]