The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, has called for the optimisation of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure as a critical pathway to unlocking the country’s socio-economic transformation, saying reliable power remains the foundation for industrialisation, investment and sustainable national development.
Adighije made the call on Wednesday while delivering the Distinguished Alumni Lecture organised by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG). The lecture, titled “Optimising Electricity for Powering Nigeria’s New Socio-Economic Frontiers,” was held at the Engineering Lecture Theatre.
Returning to her alma mater, the NDPHC boss described the occasion as both an honour and a homecoming, expressing gratitude to the University of Lagos for equipping her with the academic foundation that has shaped her leadership journey in Nigeria’s power sector.
She said the lecture theme was timely, coming at a period when Nigeria’s electricity industry is undergoing far-reaching reforms aimed at expanding access, attracting investment and improving service delivery.
According to Adighije, electricity has become the “currency of development” in today’s global economy, stressing that nations with reliable and affordable power supply are better positioned to create jobs, attract investments, drive industrialisation, strengthen healthcare and education systems, and improve the overall quality of life of their citizens.
She noted that the Electricity Act 2023 represents one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s power sector by granting states the 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.
Adighije said NDPHC is repositioning itself to maximise the value of its assets by improving operational efficiency, strengthening corporate governance, fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring that investments in the power sector translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) through efficient asset management and infrastructure optimisation.
Looking ahead, the NDPHC chief expressed confidence in the next generation of engineers, saying they would play a leading role in deploying smarter electricity grids and cleaner, technology-driven energy systems powered by artificial intelligence, automation, battery storage, smart metering and advanced power electronics.
She urged engineering students to embrace continuous learning, maintain professional discipline and see engineering as a vocation committed to solving societal challenges and building infrastructure that supports economic growth.
Adighije concluded that Nigeria’s electricity sector is entering a new era characterised by reform, innovation, collaboration and increased investment, emphasising that optimising electricity is essential to powering homes, industries and businesses while unlocking the country’s enormous socio-economic potential.
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the lecture as a celebration of excellence, collaboration and the enduring legacy of UNILAG.
She commended Adighije as one of the University’s distinguished alumni whose professional accomplishments reflect the institution’s commitment to producing graduates with technical competence, integrity and visionary leadership.
Ogunsola noted that the rapid technological changes associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution have 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.
The lecture attracted academics, industry professionals, students and stakeholders from Nigeria’s power sector, providing a platform for robust discussions on electricity sector reforms, innovation and the critical role of engineering in driving the country’s economic development.