NDPHC

The decision followed an oversight visit to the Alaoji Power Plant in Abia to assess ongoing upgrade works.

Mr Emmanuel Ojor, Head of Corporate Communications and External Relations at NDPHC, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Ojor said lawmakers inspected the facility and received a comprehensive briefing on the upgrade project.

The delegation was led by the committee chairman, Rep. Victor Nwokolo.

Lawmakers reviewed progress on converting the plant from Open Cycle to Combined Cycle operations, an upgrade expected to significantly boost electricity generation.

According to Ojor, the lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the transparency demonstrated by the management team and the progress recorded on the project.

He said the visit formed part of the National Assembly’s constitutional oversight responsibility over investments in the power sector.

During the engagement, the NDPHC management team provided lawmakers with detailed updates on the status of the Alaoji facility.

The briefing was led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Jennifer Adighije.

Adighije also explained activities of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor handling the plant’s conversion project.

Management outlined the technical scope of the upgrade to transform the facility into a more efficient combined-cycle power station.

Adighije explained that the system would harness exhaust heat from gas turbines to power steam turbines and generate additional electricity without extra fuel consumption.

Committee members toured several sections of the power station during the inspection.

They interacted with engineers and technical personnel to gain firsthand insight into project execution.

Ojor described the engagement as productive and enlightening.

He said the visit enabled lawmakers to better understand milestones achieved and operational challenges associated with large infrastructure projects.

Speaking during the visit, Adighije thanked the committee for its continued oversight and support.

She reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeframe.

Adighije said the company remained focused on strengthening Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity through projects under the National Integrated Power Project.

“We remain committed to strengthening Nigeria’s power generation capacity through effective implementation of projects under the National Integrated Power Project,” she said.

According to her, NDPHC will continue to provide the required technical and operational support to the EPC contractor.

She added that this would ensure smooth execution of the upgrade project and prevent delays.

Adighije highlighted the strategic importance of the Alaoji Power Plant in Nigeria’s electricity generation system.

She said the successful conversion to combined-cycle operations would improve efficiency, optimise gas utilisation and increase electricity supply to the national grid.

Following the inspection, committee members expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded at the plant.

They also commended the quality of information provided by the NDPHC management.

In recognition of these efforts, the committee passed a vote of confidence on the company’s leadership.

The lawmakers, however, stressed the need for strict monitoring and accountability during project implementation.

They directed the EPC contractor to provide daily updates on project activities to NDPHC management.

According to them, regular reporting will enhance coordination among stakeholders and enable prompt resolution of operational challenges.

The committee also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.

Lawmakers emphasised that reliable power supply remains central to economic growth, industrial development and improved living standards.

Ojor said the Alaoji Power Plant is one of the major generation assets under the National Integrated Power Project.

He explained that the Federal Government initiative was created to rapidly expand Nigeria’s electricity generation and transmission capacity.

“When fully upgraded to combined-cycle operations, the plant will generate additional megawatts of electricity by maximising the energy potential of existing gas turbines.

“With the committee’s vote of confidence, sustained collaboration among policymakers, contractors and NDPHC management will accelerate progress on the Alaoji upgrade,” he said. (NAN)