The managing director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije has said the company was taking steps to address previous delays in the 570 MW Alaoji Power Plant.

Speaking during a tour of the plant in Abia State by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, Adighije explained that management had compelled the contractor to submit a revised recovery plan to ensure the project’s timely completion, stressing that the company has a new target of Q3, 2027.

“Previously, we experienced some slippages, and we had to compel the contractor to come up with a recovery plan, which they have now done. Initially, we envisaged completing the project by the end of this year, but that is clearly not possible. With the revised schedule, we are now working towards completion by the third quarter of 2027,” Adighije said.

Accompanied by the executive director, Generation, Abdullahi Kassim, and the executive director, Corporate Services, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, the NDPHC boss assured the committee that the company remained committed to providing both technical and financial support to ensure the project progressed without further setbacks.

“We are prepared as management to provide all the necessary support in terms of engineering, and we have been doing that. That is why we are gaining traction. Regarding finances, we ensure we meet our obligations to the contractor. We are not owing the contractor, so there is absolutely no reason to envisage any slippages for now,” she added.

Adighije also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the power sector refinancing plan, which she said would improve liquidity in the electricity market and enable completion of ongoing projects.

“We want to thank Mr. President for graciously approving the power sector refinancing plan because with improved liquidity, we can make future investments in ongoing projects,” she said.

Adighije reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to supporting the federal government’s goal of expanding electricity access nationwide, pledging that “we will ensure that the vision of Mr. President to achieve electricity access for all Nigerians is realised”.

In response, the lawmakers commended the NDPHC leadership for accelerating work on the long-delayed combined-cycle power plant following an inspection tour of the project in Abia State.

Chairman of the committee, Victor Nwokolo, who led members on the oversight visit, commended Adighije’s proactive approach, noting that the management had made significant progress in resolving logistical bottlenecks that had stalled the project for years.

“Let me start by commending the MD for being proactive. You were with us during our tour of the installation, and we have recovered over 100 containers. That shows extra effort is being put into the system. That is why I am commending her and the present leadership of NDPHC,” he said.

The lawmaker added that the committee had been briefed by the contractor and consultants that substantial equipment purchases had already been made. He noted that many power-sector projects have been hampered by delays in clearing imported equipment at Nigerian seaports, particularly for the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN.

He added that the committee had directed the contractor handling the project to provide NDPHC management with full visibility of equipment purchases and manufacturing progress to prevent further delays.

Nwokolo warned that waiting until equipment manufacturing was completed before inspection could further delay the project and urged the contractors to accelerate external works, particularly ahead of the rainy season.

“If you know the history of this project, it has taken over 20 years. That shows the current management is meeting expectations. But Nigerians want to see the physical light,” he explained.