Minister Of Power Secures Commitment For Power Equipment Industrial Park In Nigeria

KINGSLEY EBERE

The Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has secured a firm commitment from leading Chinese equipment manufacturer TBEA to establish a power and energy equipment industrial park in Nigeria.

The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting at TBEA’s headquarters in Beijing. The visit was part of the Minister’s working tour to engage original equipment manufacturers and technical partners involved in the Presidential Power Initiative.

Tegbe said the proposed industrial park represents a major shift for Nigeria’s power sector. Instead of relying largely on imported equipment, the country will begin to manufacture transformers, switchgear, cables, and other critical components locally. He noted that the facility will also serve as an export hub for West Africa and other regional markets.

“The goal is simple. We want to build in Nigeria, for Nigeria, and for Africa. This park will reduce lead times, cut costs, and create jobs for our engineers, technicians, and artisans,” the Minister said.

According to him, TBEA is being viewed as a long-term strategic development partner rather than just a contractor. He explained that the Federal Government is prioritizing investors who bring technology transfer, skills development, and local capacity building alongside capital.

In addition to the new industrial park, TBEA renewed its commitment to accelerate ongoing transmission and distribution projects across the country. These projects are expected to unlock more than 2,000MW of stranded generation capacity and improve bulk power supply to the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister pressed for faster completion of all works under the Presidential Power Initiative. He also called for the extension of planned grid infrastructure to the East-West corridor to improve access in underserved areas.

“Contracted projects that are substantially developed must be completed. Nigerians have waited long enough. We must move from promises to power in homes, schools, hospitals and factories,” Tegbe said.

The delegation also explored the feasibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Nigeria. With the grid gradually integrating more renewable energy and storage, officials said EV charging networks could become the next phase of investment in the sector.

Energy experts at the meeting noted that a local manufacturing base will help stabilize equipment supply, reduce foreign exchange pressure, and support the growth of small and medium enterprises that provide services around the power value chain.

The Ministry stated that technical teams from the Federal Government and TBEA will meet in the coming weeks to finalize site selection, investment structure, training programs, and timelines for the industrial park. Priority will be given to locations with access to transport, skilled labor, and existing power infrastructure.

Tegbe said the outcomes from Beijing reflect a broader policy direction for the sector. The focus is moving from import dependence to local production, from stranded capacity to delivered power, and from short-term supply contracts to partnerships that build lasting institutions.

“The pursuit is urgent. Nigeria needs a power sector that can support industrialization, attract investors, and sustain economic growth. This commitment from TBEA is a step in that direction,” he added.

Community and industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, saying that local manufacturing of power equipment will strengthen the entire value chain and create opportunities for Nigerian engineers and businesses.

The Ministry confirmed that updates on the project, including implementation milestones, will be communicated to the public as agreements are finalized.