Jennifer Adighije, MD/CEO of NDPHC
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, has called for urgent presidential intervention to address the severe liquidity crisis affecting Nigeria’s power sector.
She emphasized that the intervention should begin with settling over N4 trillion owed to power generation companies and securing funds for ongoing projects to improve electricity access across the country.
Egbema Power Plant Inspection
Adighije made this appeal while hosting the House Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Victor Nwokolo, during a site inspection of the Egbema National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Power Plant.
The Egbema Power Plant, a critical project under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), was conceived in 2004 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to a statement released by Olufunke Nwankwo, NDPHC’s General Manager of Communication & Public Relations, the inspection aimed to evaluate project progress and discuss pressing challenges facing both the plant and the power sector as a whole.
Urgent Need for Liquidity Injection
During the visit on March 27, 2025, Adighije outlined the broader financial challenges crippling the power industry, particularly the massive N4 trillion debt owed to generation companies.
She stressed that presidential intervention is necessary to:
Settle outstanding payments to generation companies.
Facilitate funding for ongoing power projects.
Improve electricity supply nationwide by ensuring financial stability in the sector.
Egbema Power Plant Status Update
Providing an update on the Egbema NIPP Power Plant, Adighije revealed that the project comprises three generating units with a combined installed capacity of 375MW.
The plant was awarded to CMEC (China Machinery Engineering Company) in 2023, with completion targeted for the end of 2025. She assured that NDPHC is closely monitoring progress to ensure timely delivery and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing the President’s vision of stable, affordable electricity.
House Committee Commends Progress
Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Victor Nwokolo, praised NDPHC’s management for revitalizing the Egbema Power Plant despite past delays caused by litigation issues.
He noted that 60% of the project has already been completed, bringing it closer to commissioning. He expressed confidence that with adequate funding, the contractors will meet the project’s deadline.
Power Sector Reforms and the Future
Addressing broader industry concerns, Nwokolo acknowledged the financial struggles in the sector but commended the President’s signing of the Electricity Act, which has improved the industry’s investment appeal.
He highlighted that the new tariff structures are making the sector more attractive to investors and financial institutions, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Nwokolo further lauded the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his commitment to power sector reforms, expressing optimism that with the right policies and funding, Nigeria’s electricity challenges can be significantly reduced.
Conclusion
The call for a presidential intervention in the power sector is crucial for resolving financial constraints, accelerating project completion, and ensuring improved electricity supply for Nigerians. As NDPHC continues its efforts to transform the sector, stakeholders remain hopeful that these pressing issues will be addressed promptly.
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