NDPHC boosts power capacity in Northeast with 25 projects

Recent interventions by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), are aimed at addressing economic challenges and poverty in the Northeast with over 25 power distribution projects.

Already, NDPHC said it has completed about 24 of the projects, while one is on the verge of completion, the Managing Director, Chiedu Ugbo, said during a courtesy visit to the Adamawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow, in Yola.

Boko Haram insurgency had destroyed over N11billion electricity infrastructure, especially distribution and transmission networks in the region, halting economic activities and livelihood, but the rehabilitation by NDPHC and other agencies targets total overhaul and expansion of the infrastructure.

Ugbo disclosed the firm’s readiness to work with the region in the area of expanding power infrastructure, including renewable energy to mitigate key challenges.He stressed on the need to expand distribution infrastructure in Nigeria, saying it would reduce the burden of stranded power.

According to him, nine out of the projects, which were handled by the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), were initiated under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

Ugbo disclosed that eight of the projects have been completed and handed over to the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC).He added that three projects were completed each in Adamawa, and Bauchi states, while the last one being constructed is located at Gujab and Gulani LGAs of Yobe State.

Similarly, he said NIPP had earlier built 16 units of 7.5MVA 33KV injection substations, and had handed them over to the distribution company to improve customer experience in the region.

The projects also include substations, which were executed in Borno, Adamawa, and two others in Gombe as well as Taraba, Yobe and Bauchi states.
Ugho said states across Nigeria have indicated interest in expanding power facilities through the government owned company, adding that NDPHC has capacity to deliver necessary projects across the country.

He said the management had visited some of the governors, who are board members of the power company, disclosing that they would visit others to outline progress and discuss opportunities.

“Everybody wants NDPHC to do more. That shows the level of confidence they have in us and I want to say that we have done well in terms of projects delivery. We have the capacity to do more,” Ugbo said.