Adelabu Jumoke – Abuja
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije has emphasized the need for a presidential intervention to address the severe liquidity crisis plaguing the power sector.
She said the intervention should begin with the settling of over N4tn owed to power-generating companies and facilitating funding for ongoing projects to enhance electricity access nationwide.
The MD appealed while hosting the House Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Victor Nwokolo, on a site inspection of the Egbema National Integrated Power Project Power Plant.
The Egbema Power Plant is a key project under the National Integrated Power Project, which was conceived in 2004 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to a statement by the NDPHC General Manager, Communication & Public Relations, Olufunke Nwankwo, on Friday, the inspection was aimed at assessing the progress of the ongoing project and discussing challenges facing the project as well as the power sector at large.
The statement read, “On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Managing Director/CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd, Jennifer Adighije hosted the House Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, on a site inspection of the Egbema NIPP Power Plant.
“The inspection aimed to assess the progress of the ongoing project and discuss challenges facing the project as well as the power sector at large.
“She highlighted the broader challenges facing the power sector, particularly a liquidity crisis of over N4tn owed to generation companies. She urged for presidential intervention to facilitate funding for ongoing projects, settle outstanding payments, and enhance electricity access nationwide.”
Speaking during the inspection, Adighije provided an overview of the plant’s status, pointing out that the project consists of three generating units with an installed capacity of 375MW and that it was awarded to CMEC China Machinery Engineering Company in 2023, with completion targeted for the end of the year.
She also mentioned that NDPHC is closely monitoring progress to ensure timely completion and reiterated NDPHC’s commitment to advancing Mr. President’s vision of reliable, affordable electricity, positioning the company as the backbone of Nigeria’s power sector.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Victor Nwokolo, commended the NDPHC management for their proactive approach in reviving the Egbema Power Plant, and he proceeded to state that the project had faced delays due to litigation issues, but the new Management and contractor have significantly accelerated progress.
He noted that from the inspection, approximately 60 percent of the work has been completed, bringing the project closer to commissioning, and expressed confidence that with proper funding, the contractors will deliver on schedule.
Addressing broader sectoral concerns, he acknowledged the cash crunch in the industry but praised the President for signing the Electricity Act, which has improved the financial viability of the power sector.
He noted that new tariff structures are making the sector more attractive to investors and financial institutions. The Chairman further commended Mr. President for his Renewed Hope Agenda and commitment to power sector reforms.
