The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, has disclosed that the company is accelerating renewable energy development and targeting industrial clusters for direct electricity supply, as part of efforts to improve reliability across Nigeria’s power sector.
Speaking during an interview on Television monitored by newsmen, Adighije highlighted the scale of NDPHC’s operations, noting that the company’s installed capacity stands at approximately 4,000 megawatts — accounting for nearly 30 percent of Nigeria’s total grid-connected generation capacity.
Beyond installed capacity, she revealed that NDPHC recovered about 900 megawatts of previously dormant generation within the past year. The recovery, achieved through plant optimisation, predictive maintenance, and improved operational discipline, underscores the company’s focus on maximising existing infrastructure before committing to new build projects.
The company currently operates 10 power plants across 10 states under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), with eight commissioned and six in commercial operation.
Adighije explained that NDPHC is strategically expanding into renewable energy — including solar and small hydro projects — to complement its gas-fired assets.
A pilot solar power project is underway to serve industrial clusters in Kano State, designed to deliver dedicated electricity to manufacturing hubs. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on diesel generation, lower production costs, and enhance competitiveness for Nigerian industries. The Kano model is expected to be replicated in other industrial centres nationwide.
Under the “Light Up Nigeria” initiative, NDPHC plans to deploy embedded and independent power solutions targeting industrial clusters, commercial centres, universities, and residential communities.
While highlighting operational gains, Adighije acknowledged persistent structural challenges within the electricity value chain.
She noted that gas procurement accounts for nearly 60 percent of operational costs for thermal generation plants — a major factor influencing electricity pricing and sustainability.
Additionally, liquidity constraints remain significant, with only about 30 percent of sector invoices currently settled. This payment shortfall continues to create financial strain across generation, transmission, and distribution segments.
She also pointed to transmission limitations, explaining that a mismatch between installed generation capacity and evacuation capability restricts the sector’s ability to fully utilise available power.
In a further sign of operational restructuring, NDPHC recently recovered 110 abandoned containers and 216 packages of critical power equipment from Nigerian ports after prolonged delays. The equipment will be deployed to fast-track ongoing generation, transmission, and distribution projects.
Adighije emphasised that sustainable sector growth will require consistent implementation of reforms under the Electricity Act 2023, including gradual movement toward cost-reflective tariffs and stronger market discipline to restore investor confidence.
She reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to strengthening electricity reliability as a foundation for industrialisation, economic diversification, and improved living standards.
With a 4,000MW portfolio powering nearly one-third of Nigeria’s grid capacity, 900MW recently restored to active service, and renewable projects targeting industrial clusters, the company is positioning itself at the centre of Nigeria’s evolving power sector transformation.
