The United States Consul General, John Bray and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Nigeria, Michael Harvey, have restated the US Government’s commitment to join hands with other partners to develop Nigeria and Africa.
Both leaders made the pledge during a two-day visit to Edo State last week to assess the progress of partnered investments that advance US President Barack Obama’s signature initiative, Power Africa.
Bray said: “The work of bringing much more electricity to many more people in Nigeria and Africa is well underway.
“We recognise the great challenges ahead. But through Power Africa, the United States and our African partners are committed to improving lives, and energising economies,” he added.
Announced by US President Barack Obama in 2013, Power Africa is working with African governments, the private sector, and other partners to add more than 30,000 megawatts (MW) of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity and 60 million new connections in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
During the visit, Bray and Harvey toured the construction site of Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant, a landmark 450 MW open cycle gas turbine power plant that represents Nigeria’s first new plant in over a decade.
The Tide learnt that Power Africa officials and USAID worked with the government of Nigeria and the private sector to set the power plant on a successful trajectory.
The construction of Azura-Edo Power Plant is bringing hundreds of jobs and the prospect of reliable energy to Edo State and beyond.
It was gathered that Bray and Harvey also visited Ihovbor Power Plant to assess how best Power Africa can assist.
The US officials also discussed on-going cooperation with Benin Distribution Company, as part of a two-year agreement signed in May, 2016, for Power Africa to provide consultation aimed at improving systems and infrastructure for more reliable consumer access to electricity.
While in Benin, Bray and Harvey met with Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, and His Royal Highness, Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa.
Investigations show that two out of three people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity.
It would be recalled that Power Africa brings together the world’s top companies, political leaders, and financial institutions to help overcome Africa’s energy crisis.
Central to US President Barack Obama’s new model for development, Power Africa uses collective problem solving to enable African countries to pave their own energy future.
The initiative has already helped close financial transactions for production of over 4,600 MW of power transactions.
Similarly, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) partners to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity.
In its partnership with Nigeria, the United States strengthens social stability through social services, supports transparent and accountable governance, promotes a more market­-led economy, and enhances Nigeria’s capacity as a responsible regional and trade partner.

Josephine Atagana