Engr. Jennifer Adighijie, MD of NDPHC
…The GenCo has added NDPHC 625MW to national grid in 12 months
The Managing Director/Chief Executive officer, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, has expressed her commitment to building a virile, stronger, more responsive, and future-ready company; one that is focused not just on generating megawatts but also on delivering impact.
Adighije who was reflecting on her one year in office when speaking with a team of energy journalists in her office, said that the past one year had been both humbling and inspiring, a period marked by strategic shifts, bold reforms, and visible progress in our efforts to reposition NDPHC as a critical enabler of Nigeria’s energy security.
“From the successful revival and optimization of previously idle power plants, to pioneering bilateral power sale initiatives that are already reshaping our revenue base, our journey has been one of action guided by vision and purpose. We have worked tirelessly to restore trust, both within and outside the company, strengthening our regulatory compliance posture and deepening partnerships with key stakeholders including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).”
Recall that on August 19, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of a new management team for the NDPHC led by Engr. Jennifer Adighije as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. Other members of the management team are Executive Director (Generation), Engr. Abdullahi Kassim; Executive Director (Networks), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello; Executive Director (Corporate Services), Mr. Emmmanuel Umeoji; Executive Director (Finance & Accounts), Mr. Omololu Agoro; Executive Director (Strategy & Commercial), Engineer Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, and Executive Director (Legal Services), Barrister Steven Andzenge.
Adighije explained that within the year uncompleted NIPP plants and transmission projects had been a major focus of the management under her leadership.
“I am pleased to report that we are beginning to see measurable progress across several fronts. One of the most significant milestones is the near completion of the Egbema Power Plant which was at 52% completion when I came on board and which now stands at 80%. The contractor on the project, Messrs China Machinery Ltd (CMEC), has also presented a progress plan which we are steadily working towards.
“At Gbarain, we’ve hit a major milestone also. This plant had been offline since 2020 after a fire incident consumed the power control module. We have successfully awarded the contract to Tilt/Schneider Electric JV for the PCM restoration, and it’s expected to be completed within 12 months. Other pre-commissioning exercises will also commence at the same time to enable complete restoration of the plant to the grid by Q4-2026. The plant had been severely limited by gas supply issues, but those are gradually being addressed, allowing the facility to resume meaningful contributions to the grid.
“For the transmission projects, cash flow remains the major challenge that impedes progress. These projects are dollar denominated and till date NDPHC has been unable to reach meaningful agreements on recoupment of investments valued at about N1 trillion. While challenges remain, we have sought the intervention of the regulator, NERC, to consider mediating to resolve the long standing issue.”
Looking ahead, Adighije said: “We are set to deepen reforms, drive innovation, and ensure NDPHC that becomes a central pillar in solving Nigeria’s power challenges. I remain optimistic. We are building a stronger, more responsive, and future-ready company, one that is focused not just on generating megawatts but on delivering impact.
“As I mark my first anniversary as the MD/CEO of NDPHC, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude, responsibility, and renewed commitment. However, the road has not been without its obstacles,” she said.
“We have had to navigate a complex operating environment characterized by persistent liquidity challenges, legacy constraints, inadequate market structures, and systemic inefficiencies in the rapidly evolving national electricity value chain. These challenges, though daunting, have only served to sharpen our resolve and inspire a new level of innovation, resilience, and collaboration across NDPHC. We have leveraged these difficulties as catalysts for reform, pushing forward by developing effective strategies, leveraging relationships, entering strategic Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) with major sector players, and laying the groundwork for smarter, more sustainable energy infrastructure.
“As I reflect on my first year as the MD/CEO of NDPHC, I am deeply humbled by the progress we’ve made, despite the enormous challenges we’ve had to confront. From reviving dormant power plants and expanding our commercial operations to initiating bold partnerships and enhancing governance structures, our performance has been marked by purposeful steps toward sustainable transformation. The road hasn’t been easy; debt overhangs, gas constraints/receivables escalating, transmission bottlenecks, and systemic inefficiencies have tested our resolve. But within these challenges, we’ve found fresh opportunities: to innovate, to collaborate, and to rethink how NDPHC builds resilience and delivers value to the Nigerian power sector.
“I thank all our stakeholders, partners, and my dedicated team for walking this path with me. The journey continues with renewed vision and unwavering commitment.
“I thank all our stakeholders, partners, and my dedicated team for walking this path with me. The journey continues with renewed vision and unwavering commitment,” she submitted.
Source: Energy Times
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