By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian government-owned company set up to manage the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) has restored operations at the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, ending a shutdown that lasted since 2023 following gas supply and metering disputes.
The restoration followed the resolution of issues that led gas supplier TotalEnergies to suspend supply to the facility after discrepancies emerged between metering and trading points, while debts also accumulated.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, disclosed this during a meeting with the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, where she briefed him on efforts made to revive the plant.
According to Adighije, reviving the Alaoji plant became a top priority for the company upon her assumption of office in 2024.
“The good news is that we have carried out and fixed all the remedial works on the defective gas line. We have also completely defrayed our outstanding obligations to Total, and gas supply to the plant has now been restored,” she said.
She explained that extensive electromechanical works had also been completed at the facility, leading to the restoration of three generating units — GT1, GT22 and GT23 — which are now capable of dispatching about 375 megawatts to the national grid.
Adighije noted that the plant has adequate transmission infrastructure with minimal evacuation constraints, describing it as a strategic generation facility capable of supporting stable electricity supply.
The NDPHC boss also commended the Abia State Government for reforms in the electricity sector, particularly the Aba ring-fenced power arrangement and the establishment of the state electricity regulatory agency.
According to her, the company is leveraging the provisions of the Electricity Act and the evolving bilateral electricity market to partner with states and eligible customers to improve electricity supply across the country.
“We would love to form a strategic alliance with Abia State, considering your administration’s determination to secure uninterrupted electricity for the people of the state,” she said.
Responding, Governor Otti praised the management of NDPHC for reviving the Alaoji plant, describing the development as critical to industrialisation and economic growth in the state.
“The last time I visited the Alaoji plant, it was regrettable that such huge capacity was lying idle. I am glad to learn that the plant has now been brought back to life,” the governor said.
Otti disclosed that the plant could eventually be expanded from its current capacity to about 800 megawatts and later to approximately 1,100 megawatts, subject to the availability of funding.
He reiterated that electricity remains one of the most critical drivers of economic development, noting that his administration prioritised power infrastructure immediately after assuming office in 2023.
The governor further revealed that the state had ring-fenced the Umuahia electricity market and entered into an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to acquire electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia and surrounding areas.
According to him, the state would require about 100 megawatts to service the eight local government areas under the Umuahia ring-fence, while investments in renewable energy and mini-grid projects were ongoing.
He directed the state Commissioner for Power to work with NDPHC officials on modalities for wheeling electricity from the Alaoji plant to Umuahia and other parts of the state.
Otti also assured the NDPHC management of the state government’s support, urging the company to remain committed despite challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector.
Speaking after a tour of the facility, the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utility, Engr. Monday Ikechukwu, reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with NDPHC to improve electricity supply.
He stated that the state was prepared to commence commercial negotiations with the company, stressing that adequate and reliable power supply remains a key priority of the administration.
Earlier, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Alaoji Power Plant, Engr. Emenogu Augustine Uzoma, stated that the facility was fully ready for operations.
