NDPHC reiterates commitment to power sector development

The management of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has reiterated its commitment to power sector development. Established in 2005 as the vehicle to implement the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), the NDPHC was designed for the 10 gas-fired power stations in the gas-producing states of the Niger Delta.

Since inception, it has intervened in various segments of the power sector value chain. It has embarked on gas infrastructural projects to provide adequate gas to fire the power plants. It has also intervened in gas supply infrastructure and transmission.

The NDPHC successfully intervened in the shortage of gas supply to the NIPP power stations in the Western Delta – Ogorode, Benin (Ihovbor), Omotosho and Olorunsogo. This has led to improved gas supply to these power stations. On the inadequate transmission capacity to evacuate power from the Eastern Delta plants, there was the quick completion of the 12 circuit 330kV Ikot-Ekpene-switching station and the dual circuit 330kV transmission lines from the Alaoji and Calabar power stations. There was also the completion of the first circuit (line 2) of the Ikot-Ekpene to Ugwuaji four circuits 330kV.

On the inadequate gas pipeline infrastructure in the Eastern Delta (Alaoji and Calabar), there was the completion of the Northern Option Pipeline project (NOPL) by Total for gas supply to Alaoji Power Station and the completion of the Seven Energy dedicated pipeline from Uquo field to Calabar Power Station.

Magboro and its environs in Ogun State, after 17 years of non-supply, was in 2017 delivered electric power through the intervention of the NDPHC. Having completed the Magboro connection project, electricity was supplied to Ugwuaji, Egbema, Okija, Omotosho and Olorunsogo communities.

Such has been the magnitude and the trend of the positive activities, including hundreds of distribution projects in various zones, working to optimise the about 3,000 megawatts (MW) in the NIPP plants to get to end users.

Renewing its commitment recently, the Managing Director, NDPHC, Mr Chiedu Ugbo, said “We are staying close to the projects and the contractors to know what their problems are. We don’t just sit back in our offices because we are not engaged to do that.

“The NDPHC has embarked on the construction of additional 120 transmission stations and sub-stations and 10 critical power generation projects that will be transferred to the national grid.

This will, ultimately, support power generation and supply in the country. It has been involved in the construction of distribution lines to increase distribution of electricity to even rural communities.

“The NDPHC, when it sees the need, intervenes in critical areas to ensure stable electric supply. For instance, it recently completed a distribution line for Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) to consolidate the supply of electricity to communities in its franchise area. It provided a 33kV line and every community along that line will tap into it. It is doing unique intervention jobs like this because it believes Nigerians must have public power supply.”

On the expectation of the second phase of NIPP, the NDPHC will build hydro power plants in the North and complete transmission projects carried over from first phase, according to the company’s website. It will also launch into power generation from alternative renewable sources.

According to the company, millions of Nigerians daily enjoy power supply, but are not aware of the tremendous efforts put in by various governmental bodies. Though the national energy demand is huge and 100 per cent supply is yet to be met, there are federal agencies working for Nigerians. Some of the improvement in public power supply can be attributed to the NDPHC executing its mandate to add new capacity to public power supply.