The Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) has renewed efforts to revive the 330kV Ikot Abasi Transmission Line in Akwa Ibom State, a project that has been stalled for nearly two decades. The project was awarded in 2006 under the National Integrated Power Projects programme. NDPHC's Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije, recently met with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to seek the state government's intervention in resolving community and compensation issues that have hindered the project's completion.
The outstanding community and wayleave issues have been identified as the principal obstacles to completing the project. According to Adighije, the latest valuation of the outstanding wayleave obligations puts the cost of resolving these issues at slightly below N4 billion. The contractor, Anit Energy, has reportedly completed about 90 per cent of the engineering, procurement, and construction work. Substantial project materials, including conductors and tower members worth millions of dollars, have already been deployed along the project corridor.
Adighije expressed optimism that Governor Eno's intervention would enable the contractor to return to the site and complete the project. She disclosed that NDPHC is targeting the commissioning of the transmission line before May 29, 2027, subject to the successful resolution of the outstanding issues. The revival of the 330kV transmission line is expected to strengthen electricity infrastructure in Akwa Ibom and support the state's expanding industrial, commercial, and hospitality activities.
NDPHC is committed to supporting the development of Akwa Ibom State, particularly as increasing investments in hospitality, commerce, and industry drive higher electricity demand. Adighije noted that the company had commenced engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission following the establishment of the state electricity regulator. A joint working group has been established to explore ways of unlocking the potential of the assets and extending electricity access to underserved communities.
Governor Eno welcomed the NDPHC initiative and pledged to present the matter to the state executive council to determine the appropriate support the state government could provide towards resolving the outstanding issues. The governor said the state would examine the matter in detail and explore avenues for intervention to ensure that the long-delayed project moves forward.
The NDPHC boss stressed that the company is committed to supporting the development of Akwa Ibom State. The commission had recently visited NDPHC and requested details of projects executed by the company in Akwa Ibom. The engagement between NDPHC and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission aims to enhance electricity access and support the state's growing economy.
The meeting between Adighije and Governor Eno marks a significant step towards reviving the stalled project. With the state government's support, NDPHC is hopeful that the project will be completed, providing a boost to Akwa Ibom's economy and electricity infrastructure.
Key points
- NDPHC seeks Akwa Ibom State government's intervention to resolve community and compensation issues delaying the 330kV Ikot Abasi Transmission Line project.
- The project, awarded in 2006, has stalled for nearly two decades due to outstanding community and wayleave issues.
- NDPHC targets commissioning the transmission line before May 29, 2027, subject to resolving the outstanding issues.
