Amid Nigeria’s poor electricity outlook and the inability of over 86 million people to have access to electricity, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), which has been struggling with the dispatch of over 3,000 megawatts, is seeking a turnaround after a change of leadership.
Although NDPHC, a government-owned entity through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was meant to fast-track a government-funded initiative to stabilise Nigeria’s electricity supply system amidst privatisation. However, like the power sector, there is little to show for the plan.
Already some of the NIPPs, which have been in private hands are being sold as the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) had earlier this year revealed the conclusion of sales of five power plants including the 434 megawatts gas-fired Geregu II power plant, located in Kogi; the 451MW Omotosho II plant in Ondo; and the 750MW Olorunshogo II plant in Ogun State.
Others include the 563MW Odukpani power plant in Calabar, Cross River State, and the 451MW Benin-Ihovbor plant in Edo State.
With over 10 power plant projects scattered all over Nigeria, the new Managing Director at the NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, believed that technology and human capital could do the magic in overturning the despondent state of the organisation.
Abia-born Adighije, 41, whose father once served as a Senator under the Peoples Democratic Party and now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a 2016 defection, has more experience as a telecommunications expert with Globacom with her best experience in the power sector given her LinkedIn profile being Transmission Maintenance Trainee.
Adighije, during her resumption on Monday, said: “My vision rests on three pillars: optimising asset performance, enhancing process efficiency, and leveraging technology and human capital for positive change. Our human capital is our greatest asset.”
While expressing gratitude for a smooth transition and thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the opportunity to serve, she stressed the need to execute and manage national IPP assets optimally.
Nigeria’s power sector has been in turbulence. As the previous administration said during their manifesto, Tinubu had told electorates during his campaign that he would ensure that the country generates, transmits and distributes sufficient, affordable electricity to give people the requisite power to enlighten their lives, their homes, and their very dreams.
His administration is looking at increasing generation capacity to 6,000MW by December but at the time of filing this report, there are only 16 power plants on the national grid generating about 3,600MW.
Adighije, while acknowledging the outgoing Managing Director, said her predecessor deserved a standing ovation for his exceptional leadership.”
Adighije urged everyone to support her team in aligning, stating that the new team brought diverse backgrounds and expertise to propel the company.
“I encourage everyone to support us in this noble cause,” she said.
The outgoing MD, Chiedu Ugbo, said he was grateful for allowing his team to complete their tenure.
“Together, we have navigated challenges and fostered a culture of collaboration. I take pride in what we have achieved as a team,” he said.
