The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has called for the optimisation of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure to unlock the country’s socio-economic transformation.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, who gave the charge while delivering the distinguished alumni lecture organised by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG) titled, “Optimising Electricity for Powering Nigeria’s New Socio-Economic Frontiers,” held at the Engineering Lecture Theatre, said reliable electricity remained critical to industrialisation, investment and sustainable national development.

Adighije, as an alumna of the university, said the lecture was timely, coming at a period when the electricity industry was undergoing far-reaching reforms aimed at expanding access, attracting investment and improving service delivery.

According to her, electricity has become the “currency of development” in today’s global economy, with countries that have a reliable and affordable power supply better positioned to create jobs, attract investment, drive industrialisation, strengthen healthcare and education systems, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

She said that the Electricity Act 2023 represented one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly with its provision granting states authority to establish and regulate their own electricity markets.

“The legislation has created unprecedented opportunities for investment, innovation, competition and improved service delivery while accelerating the emergence of vibrant sub-national electricity markets capable of attracting greater private-sector participation,” she said.

The NDPHC MD/CEO said that the firm had repositioned itself to maximise the value of its assets through improved operational efficiency, stronger corporate governance and strategic partnerships.

She added that the company was committed to ensuring that investments in the power sector translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

The NDPHC boss, however, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to supporting the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) through efficient asset management and infrastructure optimisation.

Adighije said that the next generation of engineers would play a critical role in deploying smarter electricity grids and cleaner, technology-driven energy systems powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, battery storage, smart metering and advanced power electronics.

She therefore urged engineering students to embrace continuous learning and professional discipline, stressing the need for them to view engineering as a vocation dedicated to solving societal challenges and building infrastructure that supports economic growth.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the lecture as a celebration of excellence, collaboration, and the institution’s enduring legacy.

Ogunsola commended Adighije as one of the institution’s distinguished alumni whose professional accomplishments, she said, reflected UNILAG’s commitment to producing graduates with technical competence, integrity and visionary leadership.

She noted that rapid technological changes associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution had made stronger partnerships among academia, industry and government increasingly important.

“Through initiatives such as this, we create platforms where experience meets aspiration and where our students are inspired by those who have successfully translated knowledge into impactful service,” she said.