Adighije: Milestones of the NDPHC Czar

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has made remarkable progress under the leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije, its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. In just 12 months, the company has successfully added 625MW to Nigeria’s national grid, while laying the groundwork for sustainable reforms in the power sector.

One Year of Bold Reforms and Visible Progress

Reflecting on her first year in office, Adighije described the period as “humbling and inspiring,” marked by strategic shifts, bold reforms, and measurable results. Since her appointment on August 19, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, she has focused on repositioning NDPHC as a critical enabler of Nigeria’s energy security.

“From the successful revival and optimization of previously idle power plants, to pioneering bilateral power sale initiatives that are already reshaping our revenue base, our journey has been one of action guided by vision and purpose,” she noted.

She added that the company has worked to restore trust, strengthen regulatory compliance, and deepen partnerships with key industry stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).

Progress on Power Plants and Projects

Under her leadership, NDPHC has shifted attention to completing uncompleted National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) and key transmission projects. Some milestones include:

• Egbema Power Plant: Advanced from 52% completion to 80%, with contractor China Machinery Ltd (CMEC) actively working on a progress plan.

• Gbarain Power Plant: Offline since 2020 due to fire damage, now undergoing restoration through a contract awarded to Tilt/Schneider Electric JV, with full grid restoration expected by Q4 2026.

• Transmission Projects: Despite dollar-denominated funding challenges and unresolved recoupment of investments (valued at about ₦1 trillion), NDPHC is engaging NERC to mediate and unlock progress.

Overcoming Challenges in the Power Sector

Adighije acknowledged that her tenure has not been without obstacles. She cited persistent liquidity challenges, legacy constraints, inadequate market structures, debt overhangs, gas supply shortages, and systemic inefficiencies in Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

Rather than slowing progress, these hurdles have spurred innovation and collaboration within NDPHC. According to her, the company has leveraged partnerships, entered into strategic Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), and laid the groundwork for smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.

Building a Future-Ready NDPHC

Looking ahead, Adighije reaffirmed her vision of a stronger, more responsive, and future-ready NDPHC:

“We are set to deepen reforms, drive innovation, and ensure NDPHC becomes a central pillar in solving Nigeria’s power challenges. I remain optimistic. We are building a company focused not just on generating megawatts but on delivering impact.”

She credited her achievements to the dedication of her management team, partners, and stakeholders, while emphasizing that the journey is far from over.

A Transformative First Year

From reviving dormant power plants and expanding commercial operations, to enhancing governance structures and building resilience, Adighije’s first year as MD/CEO of NDPHC has been defined by purposeful leadership and transformative progress.

Her tenure underscores a simple truth: Nigeria’s power sector requires leaders who can navigate complexity, inspire collaboration, and deliver impact-driven solutions.

📌 Source: Energy Times