House Committee Lauds NDPHC for Safety Excellence at Calabar Power Plant
The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has commended the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for maintaining world-class safety practices at the Calabar Power Plant in Odukpani, Cross River State.
The commendation followed an on-the-spot inspection of the 565MW facility on Monday, which revealed significant improvements since the committee’s last visit in 2018.
Commitment to Worker Safety
Chairman of the committee, Hon. David Idris Zachariah, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring Nigerians work in safe environments that guarantee long, healthy lives. He praised NDPHC staff for their commitment to plant maintenance, stressing that worker safety in the power sector is vital for both the economy and national development.
“My impression here is positive. The improvements are clear, and you heard the same from my colleagues. Our job, however, is not just to commend but also to highlight areas that still need attention,” Zachariah noted.
The committee urged management to further enhance staff welfare by improving workplace lighting, providing rest areas for shift workers, and ensuring adequate seating in offices.
Other lawmakers on the delegation included Hon. Harrison Anozie Nwadike, Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, Hon. Kalejaiye Paul Adeboye, Hon. El-Rasheed Abdullahi, and Hon. Emmanuel Effiong Udo.
NDPHC Reassures on Standards
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, General Manager, Generation Projects, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, reaffirmed that safety remains a top priority for NDPHC.
She noted that the visit offered valuable feedback on compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards:
“When you compare the 2018 report to today, the improvement is remarkable. It shows we are not taking issues of safety and regulations for granted. Our focus remains creating a safe environment for both our workers and the smooth operation of the plant,” Agberagba said.
She added that management has taken note of the committee’s observations and would act swiftly to improve staff working conditions.
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Strong Safety Record
Also speaking, Acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Austin Ijagem, disclosed that the plant has never recorded a fatal work-related accident since it began operations.
“In 2018, several safety concerns were raised. Today, most of them have been fully addressed. We are moving closer to achieving zero pending safety issues at the Calabar plant,” he said.
The lawmakers, who were conducted around the facility by Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Ayoade Olanrewaju Bex, described the Calabar Power Plant as one of the best they had visited in terms of compliance with global safety standards.
