The House of Representatives Committee on Power has commended the leadership of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for accelerating work on the long-delayed 570 Megawatts Alaoji Combined Cycle Power Plant following an inspection tour of the project in Abia State. Chairman of the committee, Rep. Victor Nwokolo, who led members on the oversight visit praised the proactive approach of the Managing Director of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, noting that the management had made significant progress in resolving logistical bottlenecks that had stalled the project for years.

Speaking after inspecting facilities at the power plant, Nwokolo said the committee observed tangible efforts by the company to recover critical equipment and reposition the project for completion. He added that the committee had been briefed by the contractor and consultants that substantial equipment purchases had already been made. The lawmaker noted that many infrastructure projects across the power sector have been hampered by delays in clearing imported equipment from Nigerian seaports, particularly those belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). He added that the committee had directed the contractor handling the project to provide NDPHC management with full visibility of equipment purchases and manufacturing progress to prevent further delays.

Nwokolo warned that waiting until equipment manufacturing is completed before inspection could further delay the project, adding, “Waiting until this is completed will cause more delay in the project. That is why we want management to follow up closely”. The committee also urged contractors to accelerate external works, particularly ahead of the rainy season.Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Adighije, told lawmakers that the company had taken steps to address previous delays and place the project on a clear recovery trajectory.

She explained that management had compelled the contractor to submit a revised recovery plan to ensure timely completion of the project. According to her, the initial completion target had to be adjusted following the revised work schedule. Adighije, who took lawmakers on a tour of the project alongside the Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, and Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, assured the committee that NDPHC remained committed to providing both technical and financial support to ensure the project progressed without further setbacks.

She also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the Power Sector Refinancing Plan, which she said would improve liquidity in the electricity market and enable completion of ongoing projects. Adighije reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s goal of expanding electricity access nationwide.