Since its establishment in 2005, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has aimed to be a driving force in Nigeria’s power sector. Owned by federal, state, and local governments, NDPHC implements the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), focusing on expanding the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
NDPHC’s Core Functions
The company’s primary responsibilities encompass three critical areas:
- Power Generation: Developing and maintaining NIPP power plants, significantly increasing generation capacity.
- Transmission Infrastructure: Building transmission lines and substations to efficiently transport electricity.
- Distribution Infrastructure: Enhancing access to electricity for communities, industries, and households.
NDPHC is essential for addressing Nigeria’s electricity supply gaps and stabilizing the national grid, contributing to economic growth.
Leadership Transition
Engr. Jennifer Adighije was appointed as the MD/CEO in August 2024, and her leadership marks a significant turning point for NDPHC.
Visible Progress Under Adighije’s Leadership
One of her key achievements is the restoration of 625 megawatts (MW) of electricity back to the national grid. This has been accomplished through:
- Restoration of dormant turbine units in various NIPP power plants.
- Targeted maintenance and strengthened gas supply coordination.
- Efficient management oversight leading to faster procurement processes.
This substantial capacity addition comes at a critical time, given Nigeria’s rising electricity demand.
Rehabilitation of Underperforming Assets
Before Adighije’s tenure, several NIPP power plants, such as Ihovbor and Alaoji, faced significant operational challenges, showing very low availability. Under her guidance, aggressive turnaround strategies have revitalized these facilities:
- Restarted dormant turbine units.
- Overhauled key components.
- Boosted collaboration with gas suppliers.
The Ihovbor Power Plant serves as an excellent example of these successful interventions.
Governance and Transparency Improvements
The current administration has prioritized governance and transparency within NDPHC. New reforms have been introduced, including:
- Clear departmental key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Quarterly performance evaluations.
- Enhanced monitoring and communication strategies.
These measures have contributed to the company becoming more structured and professionally managed.
Financial Resilience Initiatives
Recognizing the importance of revenue generation, Engr. Adighije has implemented several financial reforms:
- Exploring bilateral power sale agreements.
- Strengthening the financial viability of NDPHC’s assets.
- Addressing liquidity challenges from market debts.
These strategic initiatives are crucial for reinforcing NDPHC’s financial stability and operational capability.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Engr. Adighije’s efforts have received acclaim across the energy sector, fostering renewed confidence among stakeholders. The accolades received signify NDPHC’s transformation journey.
However, challenges persist, including transmission bottlenecks, gas supply limitations, and over ₦600 billion in accrued debts. Despite these hurdles, the progress made in the last year showcases the impact of focused leadership.
As a vital entity for power development in Nigeria, NDPHC’s journey under Engr. Jennifer Adighije highlights key achievements in restoring capacity, revitalizing assets, and improving operational transparency. Sustaining this momentum could position NDPHC as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s pursuit of a reliable energy transition and national development.
