Reps Committee Backs NDPHC’s Ikot Abasi 330kV Transmission Project

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged active support for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to fast-track completion of the abandoned 330kV double-circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi transmission line (Lot 18T), promising to help resolve funding shortfalls and community concerns that have stalled the project for years.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, gave the assurance after leading members on an on-site inspection of the project, where they reviewed progress, met local leaders, and held talks with the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, Anita Energy, alongside NDPHC officials. Committee members on the visit included Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu and Hon. Patrick Umoh.

Kuye said the inspection forms part of the committee’s broader probe into abandoned federal assets to ensure public investments yield their intended benefits. The Ikot Abasi transmission line, he said, was identified as one of several critical infrastructure projects with immediate potential to boost economic activity and improve electricity supply in the Niger Delta.

“In our investigation of government assets, we found many projects left incomplete despite significant funding. We will not allow those investments to be wasted,” Kuye said. “There is clear willingness from both NDPHC and the contractor to resume and complete the work once outstanding issues are resolved.”

The committee noted that materials for the project — including towers, conductors and other critical equipment — remain on-site and have been largely protected by host communities despite the suspension of construction. Kuye commended local residents for guarding the assets and urged NDPHC to expedite payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners to clear the way for the contractor’s return.

“We were satisfied that the materials are on the ground and intact. Now the priority is settling compensation balances and removing administrative impediments so Anita Energy can resume work,” he said. “Completing this line will strengthen the grid, support businesses, aid farmers and artisans, improve security, and stimulate socio-economic development across Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.”

Community leaders echoed the call for swift action. Chief Joseph Gall Udo, Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, said the contractor abandoned the site more than six years ago and appealed to the Federal Government and NDPHC to resolve outstanding claims and other bottlenecks preventing completion.

“The equipment left behind has been protected by our people,” Chief Udo said. “We want the contractor back on site so our community can benefit from the improved power supply.”

When finished, the 330kV double-circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi transmission line is expected to evacuate electricity from power plants in the Niger Delta, bolster national grid stability, and improve power availability for industries and households across Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states. The House Committee said it will follow up with federal and state authorities to ensure coordinated action and timely resolution of funding and compensation issues.