Management Denies Explosion at Zungeru Power Plant

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), the parent company of Penstock Limited managing the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant in Niger State, has dismissed allegations of an explosion at the facility.

Reports circulated suggested an explosion hit the Zungeru power plant early Monday morning, injuring several workers who were then transported to various hospitals, with the seriously affected being taken to Minna, the state capital, for further treatment.

In response, MESL issued a statement titled “Fake News of an Explosion at Zungeru Hydro Power Plant,” which was posted on X.com on Monday, condemning the “false and mischievous report” and assuring the public that the plant remained intact.

The statement read, “We have been made aware of the fake news concerning an explosion at the Zungeru Hydropower Plant with resulting casualties published in newspapers on July 1, 2024, and circulated on social media.

“We strongly object to this false and mischievous report, categorically stating that no such incident occurred. This report is not only false but also highly irresponsible and insensitive, given the pervasive nature of insecurity issues in Nigeria.”

MESL’s board and management reassured the public that “the Zungeru Hydropower Plant is intact and continues to power Nigerian homes and businesses after successfully concluding a 15-day test run that remarkably boosted power supply to the grid.”

Similarly, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu refuted the explosion claims. In a statement from his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the Minister called the explosion report a fabrication.

Adelabu stated, “I have spoken with the Managing Director of Mainstream Energy, and I can assure you that nothing of such took place in Zungeru. The plant is working, and it continues to supply the grid. We have video evidence from Zungeru that nothing like that occurred today, and whoever is interested should go there to find out.”