NDPHC Embarks on Reactivation of Idle Power Stations – CEO Adighije

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Chiedu Ugbo Adighije, has disclosed that the company has begun a strategic programme aimed at reviving dormant and underperforming power plants across the country. Speaking during an industry briefing in Abuja, Adighije explained that the move is part of the government’s commitment to stabilizing Nigeria’s electricity supply and unlocking the full capacity of its power assets.

According to him, several NDPHC-owned power stations have remained idle or operated below optimal capacity due to challenges such as inadequate gas supply, transmission bottlenecks, and financial constraints affecting the sector. He noted that the current initiative will focus on resolving these issues through a combination of private-sector partnerships, improved gas supply agreements, and the rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure.

Adighije stressed that the revival of these dormant plants will significantly increase available power on the national grid, supporting efforts to close Nigeria’s supply gap and boost industrial growth. He revealed that NDPHC is engaging gas producers and distribution companies to ensure a steady supply chain that will enable the plants to operate at optimal levels. In addition, discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders to address legacy debts and tariff disputes that have hampered power sector investments.

The NDPHC boss highlighted that the company operates 10 power plants across the country with an installed capacity of over 4,000 megawatts, but only a fraction of that capacity has been delivered to the grid due to various operational challenges. “We cannot continue to have plants lying idle while Nigerians struggle with epileptic power supply,” Adighije said, emphasizing that the company is committed to changing the narrative through innovative financing models and improved operational strategies.

He added that part of the revival programme includes comprehensive maintenance, modernization of equipment, and upgrading of transmission facilities to reduce energy losses. NDPHC is also collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to expand transmission capacity and remove evacuation bottlenecks that previously limited the utilization of generated power.

Industry analysts have welcomed the development, noting that if fully implemented, the initiative could help address Nigeria’s perennial electricity crisis and attract new investments into the sector. Experts point out that reliable power supply is critical for economic diversification, job creation, and reducing the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

Adighije assured Nigerians that the government is keen on ensuring the sustainability of these efforts. He stated that the revival project will be phased to prioritize plants that can quickly be restored to full operation while simultaneously working on long-term structural reforms in the sector. The MD also mentioned that NDPHC is exploring alternative energy solutions and integrating renewable energy sources to complement the gas-fired plants.

He reiterated that the company’s goal is not only to generate more electricity but also to ensure that it is affordable and accessible to all Nigerians. According to him, partnerships with private investors and international development agencies are already being explored to mobilize funding and technical expertise required for the projects.

Stakeholders have urged the government to back NDPHC’s efforts with enabling policies, timely approvals, and effective regulation to ensure success. They also called for improved security in host communities, as vandalism and insecurity have in the past disrupted operations and scared away potential investors.

If fully executed, the revival of dormant NDPHC power plants could significantly transform Nigeria’s power landscape. The additional generation capacity would reduce the dependence on inefficient self-generation by businesses and households, lowering costs and stimulating economic growth.

 

Moving forward, industry watchers suggest that NDPHC should prioritize transparency, accountability, and timely execution of these projects. With the right political will and private-sector collaboration, Nigeria could unlock the full potential of its power assets and finally make sustainable progress in addressing its electricity deficit.Paraphrased Topic: NDPHC Embarks on Reactivation of Idle Power Stations – CEO Adighije

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Chiedu Ugbo Adighije, has disclosed that the company has begun a strategic programme aimed at reviving dormant and underperforming power plants across the country. Speaking during an industry briefing in Abuja, Adighije explained that the move is part of the government’s commitment to stabilizing Nigeria’s electricity supply and unlocking the full capacity of its power assets.

According to him, several NDPHC-owned power stations have remained idle or operated below optimal capacity due to challenges such as inadequate gas supply, transmission bottlenecks, and financial constraints affecting the sector. He noted that the current initiative will focus on resolving these issues through a combination of private-sector partnerships, improved gas supply agreements, and the rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure.

Adighije stressed that the revival of these dormant plants will significantly increase available power on the national grid, supporting efforts to close Nigeria’s supply gap and boost industrial growth. He revealed that NDPHC is engaging gas producers and distribution companies to ensure a steady supply chain that will enable the plants to operate at optimal levels. In addition, discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders to address legacy debts and tariff disputes that have hampered power sector investments.

The NDPHC boss highlighted that the company operates 10 power plants across the country with an installed capacity of over 4,000 megawatts, but only a fraction of that capacity has been delivered to the grid due to various operational challenges. “We cannot continue to have plants lying idle while Nigerians struggle with epileptic power supply,” Adighije said, emphasizing that the company is committed to changing the narrative through innovative financing models and improved operational strategies.

He added that part of the revival programme includes comprehensive maintenance, modernization of equipment, and upgrading of transmission facilities to reduce energy losses. NDPHC is also collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to expand transmission capacity and remove evacuation bottlenecks that previously limited the utilization of generated power.

Industry analysts have welcomed the development, noting that if fully implemented, the initiative could help address Nigeria’s perennial electricity crisis and attract new investments into the sector. Experts point out that reliable power supply is critical for economic diversification, job creation, and reducing the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

Adighije assured Nigerians that the government is keen on ensuring the sustainability of these efforts. He stated that the revival project will be phased to prioritize plants that can quickly be restored to full operation while simultaneously working on long-term structural reforms in the sector. The MD also mentioned that NDPHC is exploring alternative energy solutions and integrating renewable energy sources to complement the gas-fired plants.

He reiterated that the company’s goal is not only to generate more electricity but also to ensure that it is affordable and accessible to all Nigerians. According to him, partnerships with private investors and international development agencies are already being explored to mobilize funding and technical expertise required for the projects.

Stakeholders have urged the government to back NDPHC’s efforts with enabling policies, timely approvals, and effective regulation to ensure success. They also called for improved security in host communities, as vandalism and insecurity have in the past disrupted operations and scared away potential investors.

If fully executed, the revival of dormant NDPHC power plants could significantly transform Nigeria’s power landscape. The additional generation capacity would reduce the dependence on inefficient self-generation by businesses and households, lowering costs and stimulating economic growth.

Moving forward, industry watchers suggest that NDPHC should prioritize transparency, accountability, and timely execution of these projects. With the right political will and private-sector collaboration, Nigeria could unlock the full potential of its power assets and finally make sustainable progress in addressing its electricity deficit.