FG restates commitment to power sector reforms

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained power sector reforms as part of ceremony to mark Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) 20th anniversary.

The vice president who was speaking during the anniversary which was held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, acknowledged NDPHC’s significant contributions to national development over the past two decades.

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According to Shettima, who also serves as chairman of the Board of NDPHC, the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 represents a defining turning point for Nigeria’s power sector and for NDPHC while adding that the legislation provides clearer legal authority, enhanced commercial credibility and stronger institutional footing for the company to compete, partner, and grow within a more open and dynamic energy market.

The vice president said NDPHC board sees the milestone as an opportunity for institutional evolution from an integration-driven entity to a commercially disciplined and market-focused enterprise while remaining faithful to its national mandate.

He said the board has prioritised extracting greater value from existing assets, strengthening contracts and market participation, ensuring governance-led commercialisation, managing risks responsibly, and investing in human capital.

The vice president said, “As Chairman, I wish to state unequivocally that the board remains fully committed to its responsibilities. We will continue to provide strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of governance, support management in taking sound and accountable decisions, protect shareholder value on behalf of the Nigerian people, and keep NDPHC aligned with national energy and development goals.”

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring investor confidence in the power sector.

He added, “In a time when the power sector required not just policy but results, Mr President has been a magician working not with illusion, but with discipline and reform. He has restored confidence in the sector and created the conditions for institutions such as NDPHC to thrive.”

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, while affirming NDPHC’s critical role in the nation’s economy over the past 20 years, described the Company as a key pillar in expanding and safeguarding Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity.

Adelabu said through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), NDPHC has developed generation plants and associated value-chain infrastructure across the country, creating one of the largest portfolios of government-backed power assets in Africa.

The minister revealed that NDPHC has recently restored 345 megawatts of generation capacity to the national grid, including 120MW from Omotosho NIPP, 112.5MW from Benin NIPP, and 112.5MW from Ihovbor (Geregu/Talata) NIPP.

“Whether you work in the field restoring turbines, in control rooms ensuring dispatch, in procurement securing parts and services, or in offices shaping policy and stakeholder engagement, your contributions are evident in the plants operating today and the lives benefiting from improved electricity supply.

These achievements are part of the gains from the broader reforms under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve reliability, expand access, and attract investments in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Adelabu said.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engineer Jennifer Adighije, describing her performance as outstanding within the short period she has assumed leadership of the company.

He said, “I was thrilled to see that we have a wonderful woman appointed into office who is performing exceptionally well. I came here to appreciate the Managing Director, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for the remarkable work she has done.

“Without power, there can be no industrialisation, and our homes cannot function optimally. Listening to her presentation and the improvements that have taken place in the power sector, I am confident that Nigeria is headed in the right direction. I appreciate her and her team. This commendation also goes to the Vice-President, who is providing strong leadership at the board level.”

The NDPHC chief, Engineer Adighije, restated the Company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and supporting national development.