The Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, called for immediate presidential intervention to address the severe liquidity crisis currently affecting Nigeria’s power sector.
The MD emphasized that this intervention should include settling the over N4 trillion owed to Generating Companies and facilitating funding for ongoing projects aimed at improving electricity access across the nation.
Adighije made the appeal during a site inspection of the Egbema National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Power Plant, where she hosted the House Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Victor Nwokolo.
The inspection, held on March 27, 2025, was part of efforts to assess the plant’s progress and discuss the broader challenges facing the power sector.
In a statement released by NDPHC’s General Manager for Communication & Public Relations, Olufunke Nwankwo, the purpose of the inspection was outlined.
It was designed to evaluate the ongoing work at the Egbema Power Plant and to explore the challenges confronting the power sector as a whole.
During the inspection, Adighije outlined the severe liquidity issues plaguing the sector, with over N4 trillion owed to generation companies.
She called for urgent presidential intervention to address the funding crisis, ensure the payment of outstanding debts, and enhance the delivery of electricity nationwide.
The Egbema Power Plant, part of the National Integrated Power Project initiated in 2004 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has seen significant progress.
Adighije provided an overview of the plant’s status, revealing that it includes three generating units with a total installed capacity of 375 MW.
The project, which was awarded to CMEC China Machinery Engineering Company in 2023, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
NDPHC is closely monitoring its progress to ensure timely completion, she assured.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Victor Nwokolo, praised the NDPHC management for their efforts in revitalizing the Egbema Power Plant.
He acknowledged that previous delays had been due to litigation issues but noted that under the new management and with a new contractor, progress had significantly accelerated.
Following the inspection, Nwokolo stated that approximately 60% of the project work had been completed, bringing it closer to commissioning.
He expressed confidence that, with adequate funding, the project would be completed on schedule.
Nwokolo also addressed the wider challenges facing the power sector, particularly the ongoing financial struggles.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electricity Act, which has improved the financial stability of the sector.
He also highlighted how the introduction of new tariff structures is making the sector more appealing to investors and financial institutions.
The Chairman further lauded the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his commitment to reforms in the power sector.
He also praised the Honorable Minister of Power for his leadership and ongoing efforts to advance critical projects.
Additionally, the inspection highlighted the positive impact the Egbema project will have on the local economy, creating jobs, improving security, and contributing to the development of surrounding communities.
Nwokolo also addressed the concerns of the Speaker of the House of Representatives regarding developments in the power sector.
He assured that, with sufficient funding, the Egbema Power Plant would soon reach full operational capacity, aligning with other functioning power plants across the country.
On the subject of sector funding, the Chairman expressed optimism about the ongoing budgetary support for the power sector.
He commended President Tinubu for increasing the sector’s budget, demonstrating his commitment to its development.
He reassured that the National Assembly would ensure that funds are allocated effectively, without distortion.
Nwokolo concluded by emphasizing the strong relationship between NDPHC and the legislative committees on power, which has facilitated smoother oversight and fewer public hearing issues.
“The inspection reaffirmed the commitment of both the Executive and Legislative branches of government to enhancing Nigeria’s power sector.
The House Committee on Power expressed confidence in NDPHC’s leadership and assured continued support for addressing the challenges in the sector, particularly in securing adequate funding for project completion.
NDPHC remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate to expand power generation capacity, contributing to national energy security and economic development,” the statement concluded.
