The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has strongly rebutted a story published yesterday by Sahara Reporters accusing its Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, of corruption, reckless spending and running the company aground.
In a detailed rebuttal signed by its Corporate Communications/Media Office and made available to journalists on Sunday, NDPHC described the publication as “a dubious and ill-intended attempt to smear” the person of the MD and mislead Nigerians, noting that Sahara Reporters never contacted the company or Engr. Adighije for comments before publishing the allegations.
The company stated that the report appears to have been sponsored by “vested interests uncomfortable with the courageous leadership and reforms” being implemented under Engr. Adighije to stop leakages, recover stranded revenues, and reposition NDPHC for sustainable growth.
Key points in the rebuttal:
* “Zero Megawatts” claim is false
NDPHC clarified that adding new generation capacity is not its immediate priority given existing stranded capacity, inadequate grid wheeling capacity, and hundreds of billions owed to the company for energy already delivered. The current focus is on debt recovery, plant optimisation, and operational efficiency — all aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
* ₦900 million “25-year celebration” budget
The company said no such budget has been approved. What exists is a modest plan for NDPHC’s legitimate 20-year anniversary (established 2005), and even the planning committee is yet to submit a final budget. Presenting an unapproved draft figure as evidence of misconduct was described as “mischievous and speculative”.
* Private jet allegations
NDPHC confirmed that on very rare occasions, chartered flights have been used only when commercial schedules could not accommodate time-critical official trips across the country’s geopolitical zones. Such trips remain within approved budgets and with Board knowledge. The company noted that Engr. Adighije far more frequently travels long hours by road to inspect assets, a fact conveniently omitted by the report.
* “Expensive media consultants”
The company explained that it runs a Board-approved television programme and strategic communication initiatives to enlighten Nigerians about NDPHC’s mandate, projects, and eligible customer scheme. All expenditures are transparent, budgeted, and open to oversight.
* Promotion exam manipulation
NDPHC stated that the ongoing promotion process is merit-based, technology-driven (using CBT), and designed to eliminate favouritism. Results for senior cadre are not yet released, making premature complaints suspicious. The MD, who never worked in NDPHC before her appointment, has no “loyalists” or camps, the statement stressed.
* ₦20 million donation to actress Sarah Martins
The company clarified that the donation was a private charitable act by Engr. Adighije using contributions from friends (including friends of Mr. Seyi Tinubu) and had nothing to do with NDPHC funds.
NDPHC highlighted over 15 tangible achievements recorded in Engr. Jennifer Adighije’s first year in office, including:
Recovery of 110 abandoned containers worth over $5 million
Restoration of 6 previously dormant gas turbines adding ~750 MW mechanical availability
Recovery of over $10 million in legacy debts
Completion of several injection substations in Borno and Delta states
Unlocking ~500 MW through bilateral PPAs awaiting NERC approval
Securing $15 million insurance claim payout
Introduction of transparent CBT promotion system and staff welfare allowances
The company urged Nigerians to disregard the Sahara Reporters story, called on media houses to uphold balance and fair hearing, and stated that Engr. Adighije reserves the right to seek legal redress against publishers of demonstrably false allegations.
“NDPHC remains committed to transparency and welcomes any objective investigation that is based on facts and records, not anonymous petitions,” the statement concluded