One of the world’s largest providers of large-bore diesel, gas and dual-fuel engines, MAN Diesel and Turbo has opened its first sales office in Lagos, Nigeria. A move which is not only aimed at helping companies secure energy, but also to boost Nigeria’s generation capacity and create employment opportunities. According to the Chief Executive officer of the company, Dr Uwe Lauber, after establishing business relations with Nigeria over time, there is a need to grow affiliations and strengthen partnership with Africa’s largest economy.
Inefficient power supply has been one of Nigeria’s greatest economic challenges. However the tide seems to be turning for the better with massive investments in the sector through public private partnerships.
The The Managing Director of MAN Diesel & Turbo , Mr Adedayo Olowoniyi, explained that the privatization of the local power market is driving investment. “[…] with only about 5.5 megawatts installed today, there is a substantial need for additional a decentralized generation capacity.” He also explained that Nigeria’s economy is growing substantially and its products can help companies secure their energy supply without having to depend on the public grid.
Considering the current challenges in electricity supply, MAN Nigeria will be making an important contribution to the energy sector by providing high technology solutions in energy generation.
With a strong presence in Africa, MAN Diesel and Turbo has over a span of 50 years generated over 3.2 gigawatts of generation capacity in 37 countries. “Today we operate from offices and service workshops in South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, Angola and Namibia with a team of over 300 employees,” says Martin Kalter, Senior Vice President at MAN Diesel and Turbo and Head of the company’s African power plants business.
Nigeria also has several alternatives to fossil fuel, given its rich endowment with natural resources. If effectively exploited, the country may be on a path to the energy sufficiency it urgently needs to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Nigerian opinion polling and research organization, NOI polls, recently released a report indicating a rise in the country’s power generation, with a maximum value of 4800 megawatts during this period. This data represents the highest improvement in power sector since it was privatized in 2013.
