NDPHC Achieves Key Milestones in Energy Inclusion – Engr. Jennifer Adighije
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Limited, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, has affirmed the company’s significant strides toward energy inclusion, despite the numerous operational challenges it faces.
In a statement released in Abuja, Engr. Adighije expressed concern over the poor uptake of electricity from the national grid, which she noted is putting a strain on the company’s operations. Among the major setbacks she highlighted were persistent gas supply issues, transmission bottlenecks, and a staggering ₦600 billion debt owed to NDPHC by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) and other bilateral entities.
“We currently have a mechanically available generation capacity of about 2,000MW that remains significantly stranded due to these limitations,” she explained.
Reviving Dormant Power Assets
As part of the new management’s drive to optimize capacity, Engr. Adighije announced the successful resuscitation of five previously offline turbine units across the Calabar, Omotosho, Sapele, and Ihovbor plants. These restored turbines now contribute an additional 625MW to the national grid.
Despite the operational challenges, NDPHC continues to play a critical role in stabilizing Nigeria’s power grid by providing primary frequency response services. However, she lamented that these ancillary services are not monetized in line with grid codes and industry regulations.
“Our plants are frequently ordered to start up or shut down by the system operator without compensation, leading to low capacity utilization and significant operational stress on our turbines,” she stated.
Structural Bottlenecks and Regulatory Challenges
Adighije pointed out that power generation is demand-driven, and in many instances, the demand does not justify the available supply. When demand does arise, inadequate dispatch corridors or limited wheeling capacity through the transmission grid further restrict generation.
She acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, to address grid limitations, while emphasizing NDPHC’s commitment to expanding transmission and distribution infrastructure to deliver power to underserved communities.
Since the inception of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), the company has invested over ₦500 billion in transmission assets including transformers, substations, switchgear, transmission lines, and bay extensions—many of which are now operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Alaoji Power Plant and Bilateral Trading Prospects
On the Alaoji Power Plant, she disclosed that a long-standing dispute over gas metering with the supplier had led to its shutdown. However, concrete steps are now being taken to restore the Gas Metering Station (GMS), and the plant is expected to resume operations before the end of the year.
Engr. Adighije also highlighted NDPHC’s repeated efforts to secure a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NBET, which would have elevated the company’s position in the dispatch priority schedule. Unfortunately, these attempts have been unsuccessful, exacerbating the issue of stranded capacity.
“NDPHC is currently placed in the least priority bucket for dispatch despite our daily available capacity of about 2,000MW,” she added.
Strategic Shift Toward Bilateral Sales
Looking ahead, NDPHC is now leveraging the recent directive from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which permits generation companies to enter bilateral agreements with eligible customers.
“We’re actively finalizing deals with off-takers to commercialize our stranded capacity and unlock the full potential of our assets,” Engr. Adighije stated.
“This marks a significant pivot in our strategy, allowing us to redirect power from the congested national grid to direct customers who need it.”
With this shift, the company hopes to ensure sustainable operations while contributing to energy access for underserved regions and advancing national energy inclusion goals.
