The Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) has asked the Akwa Ibom State Government to intervene in the stalled 330kV Ikot Abasi Transmission Line project. The project, which was awarded in 2006 under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) programme, has been delayed for nearly two decades due to community and wayleave challenges. NDPHC's Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The 330kV transmission line project aims to enhance power transmission in the region. However, community and compensation-related issues have hindered its completion. Adighije said the outstanding wayleave obligations were valued at slightly below N4 billion. The contractor, Anit Energy, has completed about 90 per cent of the engineering, procurement, and construction. Substantial project materials worth millions of dollars have been deployed but are currently lying across several communities due to the impasse.
Adighije expressed optimism that Governor Eno's intervention would enable the contractor to return to the site and complete the project. She pleaded for the governor's support as a shareholder and board member of NDPHC. The project is expected to be commissioned on May 29, 2027, subject to resolving the outstanding issues. The delay has resulted in significant financial losses and hampered power supply in the region.
Governor Eno welcomed the initiative and pledged to take the matter to the State Executive Council. The council will determine the appropriate support the state government can provide to resolve the outstanding issues. Eno said the state would examine the matter in detail and explore avenues for intervention to ensure the project's completion.
The NDPHC has also commenced engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The goal is to develop appropriate electricity market frameworks for the state. This move is expected to enhance the state's power sector and create a conducive environment for investors.
The stalled project has affected not only the power supply but also the local economy. The project's completion is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. Adighije's visit to Governor Eno was aimed at seeking the state's support to unlock the project and facilitate its completion.
The Akwa Ibom State Government's intervention is crucial to resolving the outstanding issues and completing the project. The state's support will enable the contractor to return to the site and complete the project, which is expected to have a positive impact on the region's power supply and economy.
Key points
- NDPHC seeks Akwa Ibom state's intervention to resolve community and wayleave challenges stalling 330kV transmission project.
- The project, stalled for nearly two decades, is expected to be commissioned on May 29, 2027.
- The state government's support is crucial to unlocking the project and facilitating its completion.
