By Kelechi Onwujuba
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has threatened to demolish illegal structures built on Federal Government rights-of-way for power transmission projects, warning that encroachment and vandalism are undermining power sector investments.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, issued the warning after an inspection of the 132kV New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State and the Egbu 330/132/33kV substation in Owerri, Imo State.
The inspection team included Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Hon. Sani Rigo and Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu.
The Committee said it observed churches, hotels, private residences and state government buildings erected along designated transmission routes, delaying completion of critical projects being executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
The NDPHC disclosed that the Owerri substation, now about 85 per cent complete, will inject about 250 megawatts into Imo State and significantly improve supply to Orlu and environs.
The project, first awarded in 2006, has received renewed push under the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.
Kuye expressed concern over the approval of buildings on Federal Government corridors by state authorities despite existing rights of way, saying the development has stalled projects meant to improve electricity supply and drive industrialisation.
“We observed the magnitude of investment by the Federal Government in building a sustainable power system for the country, particularly in our states, to help them develop their industrial base through adequate power supply. However, to our chagrin and disappointment, we saw people who are not totally buying into the vision of a greater country for all of us,” he said.
He said the Committee will strengthen collaboration between federal and state governments to protect public assets, ensure prompt payment of contractors and timely compensation of landowners to avoid disputes and litigation.
Kuye commended NDPHC on the quality of work at Egbu, expressing optimism that completion expected around March 2027 will boost industrial activities in the South-East.
He appealed to governors of Enugu and Imo States to partner with NDPHC to clear encroachments and accelerate delivery.
“It is not going to be business as usual. We are going to take drastic, appropriate steps to ensure that those structures are removed,” he warned.
He advised Nigerians to conduct due diligence on land titles before purchase to avoid acquiring plots within government rights of way.
According to him, completion of the transmission projects will support industrialisation, job creation, improved security and economic growth.
