Niger Delta Power Holding Adds 345mw To National Grid As Federal Govt Recommits To Power Sector Reforms

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has injected 345 megawatts of electricity into the national grid, signalling fresh momentum in the battle against chronic power shortages, even as the federal government doubles down on sweeping reforms to transform the sector.

This is as the managing director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, applauded President Bola Tinubu and the minister of Power for approving a power sector refinancing plan, calling it a “game-changer” that will defray the over N4 trillion federal government debts to generation companies and revitalise Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.

Speaking at NDPHC’s 20th anniversary event marking the 2005 incorporation of its predecessor, the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to sustained power sector reforms, as the NDPHC marked its 20th anniversary.

Shettima, while speaking at the company’s anniversary celebration held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja on Wednesday night, acknowledged NDPHC’s significant contributions to national development over the past two decades.

The vice president noted that the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 represents a defining turning point for Nigeria’s power sector and for NDPHC, stressing that the legislation provides more apparent legal authority, enhanced commercial credibility, and a stronger institutional footing for the company to compete, partner, and grow within a more open and dynamic energy market.

Shettima, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of NDPHC, said the board views the milestone as an opportunity for institutional evolution—from an integration-driven entity to a commercially disciplined and market-focused enterprise—while remaining faithful to its national mandate.

According to him, the board has prioritised extracting greater value from existing assets, strengthening contracts and market participation, ensuring governance-led commercialisation, managing risks responsibly, and investing in human capital.

“As chairman, I wish to state unequivocally that the board remains fully committed to its responsibilities. We will continue to provide strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of governance, support management in taking sound and accountable decisions, protect shareholder value on behalf of the Nigerian people, and keep NDPHC aligned with national energy and development goals,” he said.

On his part, the minister of Power,  Adebayo Adelabu, has noted that the 345 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation capacity restored by NDPHC) to the national grid signaled tangible gains from ongoing power sector reforms noted that the restored capacity comprises 120MW from Omotosho NIPP, 112.5MW from Benin NIPP, and 112.5MW from Ihovbor NIPP.

According to the minister, the recovery showcased NDPHC’s critical role in stabilising and expanding Nigeria’s electricity supply through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

This, he said, had delivered generation plants and supporting infrastructure nationwide.

He added that the company’s interventions are strengthening reliability and supporting industrial growth.

NDPHC Managing Director, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, lauded the federal government’s planned repayment of the debt to the power sector, saying it would reinvigorate the sector.

Recall that the federal government’s indebtedness to the power sector has ballooned to over N4 trillion ($2.6 billion), mainly due to subsidies that bridge the gap between high production costs and subsidised consumer tariffs. Legacy arrears from 2015-2023 total N1.9 trillion, with N2 trillion accruing in 2024 alone, funneled through the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company.

NDPHC alone faces N600 billion in unpaid invoices, stalling operations and new investments amid gas shortages and grid constraints. Monthly shortfalls reach N200 billion, threatening plant shutdowns and Nigeria’s goal of 40 GW generation capacity.

Adighije directly tied her commendation to this crisis.

“I want to immensely thank Mr President and the Honourable Minister of Power for graciously approving and driving a power sector refinancing plan,” she stated. “As a matter of fact, the Ministry of Finance is championing this. And have already approached the world market to raise the necessary capital to defray government indebtedness to power generation companies. And this will be the game-changer for us all.”

According to her, the company is deepening its impact across the electricity value chain, including transmission upgrades that have added over 9,000 MVA of installed transformer capacity nationwide.

She added that NDPHC is leveraging the Electricity Act to expand partnerships with eligible customers, regional markets under the West African Power Pool, and bilateral partners, while pursuing bond market financing to refinance sector obligations—an initiative expected to be a game changer for the industry.

Adighije highlighted the company’s transformative journey.

“In 20 years, we built 10 power plants,” she declared, listing milestones like the 450 MW Sapele and Omoku plants commissioned in 2012, the 425 MW Ihovbor plant by Siemens in 2013, and the pioneering 725 MW Olorunsogo combined-cycle plant in 2015.

NDPHC has also added over 9,000 MVA in transmission transformer capacity, hundreds of kilometres of lines, and substations nationwide, positioning it as Nigeria’s top investor in the power value chain.

On his part, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended NDPHC’s leadership and performance, noting that improved power supply remains foundational to industrialisation and national development.

The event drew dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and power sector partners, underscoring NDPHC’s role in national energy security.