By Oke Peter
As the largest thermal power plant in Sub-Saharan Africa, Egbin Power has long been entrusted with the critical responsibility of generating electricity for Nigeria’s National Grid. Despite the intensity of this national assignment, the company has consistently maintained a strong presence in corporate social responsibility (CSR), striking a strategic balance between its operational duties and its broader influence in the country.
While facing numerous challenges — including gas restrictions, accumulated debts, and high operational costs —the company has not been deterred from making a positive impact on both the people and the environment. Through its dedication and commitment, Egbin Power has emerged as a leading voice in the Nigerian power sector.
Egbin Power’s CSR philosophy can be described as a strategy aimed at balancing social, environmental, and economic aspects. This philosophy underpins the company’s approach to the “3 Ps”: People, Planet, and Profit. Ensuring that these three elements remain in balance in daily business operations is a delicate art — one that Egbin Power continues to master.
The company has increasingly focused on a sense of purpose beyond profit-making, fostering innovation and creating a dynamic, exciting work environment. Its CSR initiatives have made a profound contribution to society, generating new opportunities for growth, resilience, and positive change. Egbin Power has positioned itself as a transformative agent, driving both societal and environmental progress and creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
Egbin Power has implemented several initiatives that have reshaped the narrative from “business as usual” to a “new normal.” These efforts have empowered individuals, uplifted communities, and changed many lives. The company has provided medical support to hospitals, the sick, and the elderly, equipped schools with educational materials, awarded scholarships to numerous students, and granted substantial aid to local communities.
A standout initiative is the PowerUp Internship Programme, a paid industrial training program for eligible undergraduate students wishing to gain hands-on experience in engineering. This initiative addresses the country’s unemployment challenges by providing training opportunities that often lead to permanent employment within the company.
Moreover, Egbin Power has fostered a strong relationship with the Ijede Community in Ikorodu, Lagos, and its surrounding areas. The company has actively supported the developmental efforts of the community, strengthening the bond between itself and the local population.
Under the leadership of CEO Mokhtar Bournor, Egbin Power has made significant strides. Since his appointment in September 2022, Bournor’s management team has transformed the company, increasing its generation capacity from 300 megawatts (MW) in 2013 to around 1,000 MW. Bournor believes that serving others is integral to leadership, and his leadership approach has turned many ideas into tangible realities.
In recognition of its outstanding contributions, Egbin Power has received several accolades. In November 2024, the company was awarded the Best Safety Performance Power Genco at the AfriSafe 2024 Awards in Livingstone, Zambia. According to AfriSafe’s organizer, Femi Dasilva, Egbin Power’s unwavering commitment to safety excellence set a new standard for the power generation industry in Africa.
The company also achieved triple ISO certification in August 2024 for its commitment to quality and safety standards. The certifications were for ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System). Bournor hailed the certifications as a significant milestone, reinforcing Egbin Power’s position as a responsible corporate entity.
Another recent recognition came at the Energy Times Awards 2024, where Egbin Power was honored as the Sustainable Development Company of the Year. This award recognized the company’s successful integration of sustainability into its core operations, blending economic growth, social impact, and environmental stewardship. The award organizers described Egbin Power’s approach as a “blueprint for the future of energy development in Nigeria.”
There is no denying that Egbin Power has made a tremendous impact on humanity and empowered countless individuals. If every company contributed in a similar way to the nation’s development, the world would undoubtedly be a better place for all.
