The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is seeking help from Akwa Ibom State to clear the hurdles preventing the completion of a 330-kilovolt transmission line that has been stalled for nearly 20 years. The project, awarded in 2006 under the National Integrated Power Projects program, aims to expand Nigeria's electricity capacity. NDPHC's Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije, recently visited Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno to request assistance in resolving the outstanding issues.
The main obstacle to completing the project is the unresolved compensation claims from communities along the route. Adighije told Governor Eno that the contractor, Anit Energy, has completed about 90 percent of the engineering, procurement, and construction work. However, the equipment worth millions of dollars is sitting idle across several communities due to access issues. The company estimates that resolving the outstanding wayleave claims would cost approximately 4 billion naira.
NDPHC is racing to commission the project before Nigeria's next presidential handover on May 29, 2027. Adighije emphasized that the timeline depends on resolving the community issues. The project will feed directly into Akwa Ibom's push to build out its electricity market and into the wider national grid. A functioning 330kV connection will support the state's growth in hospitality, commerce, and industry.
During the visit, Adighije congratulated Governor Eno on the creation of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission. NDPHC has begun talks with the new body over market rules for the state. A joint working group is reviewing NDPHC's existing assets in Akwa Ibom to extend power access to underserved areas, aligning with the governor's ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno committed to bringing the matter to the State Executive Council to explore support for the project. NDPHC's Executive Director for Strategy and Commercial Affairs, Patrick Obahiagbon, praised Eno's administration, comparing it to "a locomotive engine moving ceaselessly." The stakes extend beyond one transmission line, as Akwa Ibom aims to build out its electricity market and attract industrial and hospitality investment.
NDPHC's immediate concern is to get the contractor back to work before the deployed equipment degrades further. The company wants to prevent another dry season from passing without resolution. The project's completion will not only support Akwa Ibom's growth but also contribute to Nigeria's overall power sector expansion.
The collaboration between NDPHC and Akwa Ibom State is crucial in unlocking the stalled power line. With the state's support, NDPHC aims to overcome the remaining hurdles and complete the project. This will not only provide electricity to the state but also enhance the overall power infrastructure in Nigeria.
Key points
- NDPHC seeks Akwa Ibom's help to resolve compensation claims and complete a stalled 330-kilovolt transmission line.
- The project aims to expand Nigeria's electricity capacity and support Akwa Ibom's growth in hospitality, commerce, and industry.
- NDPHC targets commissioning the line before Nigeria's next presidential handover on May 29, 2027.
