Oando to boost power supply in Lagos with IPP

THE multi-billion naira Alausa Independent Power Project (Alausa IPP) will be inaugurated on Thursday to boost electricity supply at the Lagos State Secretariat in Ikeja.

The secretariat houses Governor babatunde Fashola, his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the House of Assembly, ministries and , departments and agencies (MDAs).

The Alausa IPP is a joint venture between Oando Gas and Power and the state government. It was built for N3.2 billion.

In a statement, Oando described the Alausa IPP as a viable, cost-friendly alternative to the current power supply to the secretariat through a combination of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and to a larger extent, self-generation via diesel engines.

The natural gas fired plant, Oando said, would reduce the pollution that emanates from the over 70 diesel generators that are currently in use, and reduce in the government’s fuel costs by over 70 percent.

The government has repeatedly said that consistent and reliable power supply to the secretariat would increase the efficiency of its workers.

The Alausa IPP is the second successful IPP by Oando following the Akute Power Limited’s 12.15 Megawatts (MW) power plant which supplies power to the Lagos State Water Corporation. It is estimated that the secretariat requires an average of 4.0 megawatts; 5.5MW during peak periods and about 0.5MW during off peak periods. The disconnection of the Alausa secretariat complex from the PHCN grid will make additional electricity available to many residents in the State. The streetlights on the Obafemi Awolowo Way will be powered by the plant, thus enhancing security for road users at night