The Mambilla hydroelectric power project is yet another monument to waste
Conceived in 1972 under the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon, the 3,050MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Project in Taraba State was earmarked as a veritable tool to tackle the country’s persistent power shortages and stimulate economic growth. But after more than five decades and almost a billion dollars expended on preparing feasibility studies, hiring consultants, and doing preliminary works, the project remains more of a paperwork. Plagued by corruption, mismanagement, legal disputes and other structural delays, the Mambilla hydroelectric power project has become another monument to waste for which Nigeria has become notorious.
A fortnight ago, a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was convicted of corruption, following which he was sentenced to a hefty 75 years in prison. Mamman was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 12-count charges bordering on money laundering and diversion of funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power plant projects to the tune of N33.8 billion. Although Mamman went underground before and after his conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja and refused to show up for the sentencing, he was eventually apprehended last week by the EFCC with the agency releasinghis mugshot in handcuff.
