Nigerian billionaire TY Danjuma takes over Kashimbila Hydro Dam concession in major power push

Timilehin Adejumobi -
Key Points
  • TY Danjuma's company formally takes over the Kashimbila Hydro Electricity Dam, aiming to electrify Taraba State and improve local power infrastructure. 
  • Danjuma emphasizes the need for a complete overhaul of the power grid to optimize electricity generation and enhance safety in the region. 
  • The Kashimbila Dam project includes plans for an airport and a five-star hotel, boosting local tourism and Danjuma's influence in community development.

Nigerian billionaire and former defense minister Theophilus Yakubu (TY) Danjuma has officially taken control of the Kashimbila Hydro Electricity Dam, marking a key step in efforts to electrify Taraba State, a region in north-eastern Nigeria.

At the handover ceremony in Kashimbila, located in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Danjuma emphasized that the concession marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey towards achieving reliable electricity for the state. He warned that despite the dam's completion, local infrastructure remains inadequate to handle the electricity output.

TY Danjuma calls for power grid upgrade

“The power generated is too strong for the current installations in Takum and surrounding areas,” Danjuma said, stressing the need for better wiring in homes to prevent hazards such as electrical fires. He further explained that the concession of the dam was part of a long-term project to fully optimize the dam's capabilities and overhaul the state's aging power grid.

Danjuma acknowledged that while residents are hopeful for immediate improvements, a complete rewiring of the state is essential before the full benefits of the dam’s electricity generation can be realized. “The state needs to be rewired all over,” he said in a statement released by Emmanuel Bello, spokesperson for the Taraba State governor.

Broader vision for Kashimbila

The Kashimbila Dam, originally a federal project, is now managed by a consortium led by Danjuma’s company. In addition to power generation, the dam is expected to transform the region into a tourism hub, with an airport and a five-star hotel already in development. These projects highlight Danjuma’s growing influence in both business and community development.

At 85, TY Danjuma remains a significant figure in Nigerian business and philanthropy. He is the majority shareholder of Industrial and Medical Gases Nigeria Plc and the founder of South Atlantic Petroleum. His recent initiatives include donations for a state-of-the-art hostel at the University of Benin and a skill acquisition center in Yobe State, underscoring his commitment to improving lives across Nigeria.