NDPHC: Reps Threaten Demolition Of Illegal Structures on Power Line Routes

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has warned that illegal structures built on federal government rights of way for power transmission projects will be removed, saying encroachment and vandalism are putting public investment in the power sector at risk.

The committee’s chairman, Hon. Kuye Ademorin, gave the warning after inspecting two projects of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC): the 132kV New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State, and the Egbu 330/132/33kV substation in Owerri, Imo State.

According to a statement issued by NDPHC’s General Manager, Corporate Communication and External Relations, Nazo Agim, on October 29, 2026, the lawmakers found churches, hotels, private homes and state government buildings along the designated transmission routes. The committee said the structures threaten the timely completion of the projects.

Other members on the tour were Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Hon. Sani Rigo and Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu.

Addressing those occupying the land, Ademorin said the committee would act. “It is not going to be business as usual. We are going to take drastic, appropriate steps to ensure that those structures are removed,” he said.

He questioned how state authorities could approve buildings on land already covered by Federal Government rights of way. He said encroachment had delayed projects meant to improve electricity supply and support industrial growth, while vandalism had further damaged public investment.

“We observed the magnitude of investment by the Federal Government in building a sustainable power system for the country, particularly in our states, to help them develop their industrial base through adequate power supply,” he said.

“However, to our chagrin and disappointment, we saw a people who are not totally buying into the vision of a greater country for all of us.”

Ademorin called for closer cooperation between federal and state authorities to protect public assets and deliver projects on schedule. He appealed to the governors of Enugu and Imo states to work with NDPHC to deal with encroachment, protect federal assets and speed up delivery.

He also urged the Federal Government to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and to pay contractors promptly. He said landowners whose property had been acquired for the projects should be compensated quickly to avoid disputes and litigation.

He advised Nigerians to check the ownership and status of land before buying, so they do not end up with plots inside government-approved rights of way.

NDPHC told the committee that the Owerri substation is about 85 per cent complete. When finished, it will add about 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State and significantly improve supply to the Orlu area.

The project was first awarded in 2006. It has received renewed attention under the NDPHC managing director and chief executive officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.

Ademorin commended NDPHC for the quality of work at the substation. He said he expected completion around March 2027 and believed it would transform industrial activity across the South-East.

He added that completing the projects would support industrialisation, create jobs, improve security and promote peace.