By Kelechi Onwujuba
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has restored operations at the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, bringing an end to a three-year shutdown caused by gas supply disputes and metering discrepancies.
The plant is now positioned to dispatch up to 375MW to the national grid following the completion of remedial works and the settlement of outstanding debts owed to gas supplier, TotalEnergies.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, disclosed this during a meeting with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, in Umuahia. She explained that the facility was shut down in 2023 after disagreements over metering and trading points prompted TotalEnergies to suspend gas supply, while unpaid obligations continued to accumulate.
According to Adighije, reviving the Alaoji plant became a top priority upon her assumption of office in 2024.
“The good news is that we have carried out and completed all remedial works on the defective gas line. We have also completely defrayed our outstanding obligations to TotalEnergies, and gas supply to the plant has now been restored,” she said.
She further revealed that NDPHC undertook extensive electromechanical rehabilitation works at the facility, resulting in the successful restoration of three generating units — GT1, GT22 and GT23 — which are now operational and available to supply electricity to the national grid.
Adighije noted that the plant possesses adequate transmission infrastructure with minimal evacuation constraints, making it well-positioned to support improved electricity supply nationwide.
She also commended the Abia State Government for reforms in the electricity sector, particularly the Aba ring-fenced power arrangement and the establishment of the state electricity regulatory agency. According to her, NDPHC is leveraging the Electricity Act and the emerging bilateral electricity market to partner with states and eligible customers to boost electricity access across the country.
“We would love to form a strategic alliance with Abia State, considering your strong commitment to securing uninterrupted electricity supply for the people of the state,” Adighije told Governor Otti.
Responding, Governor Otti welcomed the restoration of the plant, describing it as a major boost for industrialisation and economic growth in Abia State.
“The last time I visited the Alaoji plant, it was regrettable that such huge capacity was lying idle. I am glad to learn that the facility has now been brought back to life,” the governor said.
Otti also disclosed plans to expand the plant’s generation capacity from 450MW to 800MW, and eventually to 1,100MW, subject to funding availability.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to power sector development, the governor noted that electricity has remained a key priority since he assumed office in 2023. He added that the state has already ring-fenced the Umuahia electricity market and signed an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire electricity assets covering Umuahia and surrounding areas.
According to him, the Umuahia ring-fence alone would require about 100MW to serve eight local government areas, while the state is simultaneously investing in renewable energy and mini-grid projects.
Governor Otti directed the state Commissioner for Power to collaborate with NDPHC on modalities for wheeling electricity from the Alaoji plant to Umuahia and other parts of the state, while assuring the company of continued government support.
Following a tour of the facility, the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Monday Ikechukwu, confirmed the state’s readiness to commence commercial discussions with NDPHC.
Similarly, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Alaoji Power Plant, Engr. Emenogu Augustine Uzoma, stated that the facility is fully prepared for normal operations following the successful completion of restoration works.
