NDPHC targets October 2027 completion deadline for Alaoji power plant development

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company has announced a revised completion date of October 2027 for the 570 Megawatts Alaoji Combined Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, with the project currently standing at about 16 per cent completion. This update was provided by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Power to the facility. The project is expected to significantly boost power supply to the southeast region. Adighije attributed the revised timeline to earlier delays that affected the project schedule. The company has compelled the contractor to submit a recovery plan to accelerate work. This plan is expected to get the project back on track.

Adighije noted that the project had experienced some slippages in the past, but the company has been working to recover lost time. Initially, the project was expected to be completed by the end of this year, but that is no longer feasible. With the revised schedule, the company is now working towards completion by the third quarter of 2027. The project has recorded notable progress since the current management assumed office, with progress rising from slightly above one per cent to about 16 per cent. Adighije assured lawmakers that NDPHC is providing the necessary technical and financial support to ensure the project progresses without further setbacks. The company has been meeting its obligations to the contractor, and there are no outstanding payments.

Adighije also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the Power Sector Refinancing Plan, which is expected to improve liquidity in the electricity market and support ongoing power projects. The plan will enable the company to make future investments into ongoing projects, including the Alaoji Combined Cycle Power Plant. Adighije expressed gratitude to the President for his support, saying that improved liquidity will have a positive impact on the project. The company is committed to supporting the Federal Government's goal of expanding electricity access nationwide. Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Rep. Victor Nwokolo, commended the leadership of NDPHC for accelerating work on the project and resolving several logistical bottlenecks that had stalled it for years.

Rep. Nwokolo spoke after inspecting facilities at the plant, noting that the committee observed tangible efforts by the company to recover critical equipment needed for the project. Over a hundred containers have been recovered, showing that extra effort is being put into the system. Delays in clearing imported equipment from Nigerian ports have slowed down many power sector projects, particularly those belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria. However, the situation is different at the Alaoji plant, where equipment is being cleared and work is progressing. The committee has directed the contractor to provide NDPHC management with detailed information on equipment purchases and manufacturing progress to prevent further delays.

The committee has also urged the contractors to accelerate external works on the project, particularly ahead of the rainy season. The piling works are expected to be completed soon, and the contractor has assured the committee that progress will be improved. The project, which has been in development for over two decades, is critical to boosting electricity supply to Aba, one of Nigeria's major commercial and manufacturing hubs. Reliable electricity supply to Aba will significantly boost economic activities and employment, addressing the issue of unemployment not just in the region but across Nigeria. Electricity access should be seen as a major driver of economic growth, enabling people to work and generate income.

Adighije, who conducted the lawmakers round the facility alongside the Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, and Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, reiterated the company's commitment to supporting the Federal Government's goal of expanding electricity access nationwide. The company will ensure that the vision of Mr President, which is to achieve electricity access to all Nigerians, will be achieved. With the revised completion date and the recovery plan in place, the Alaoji Combined Cycle Power Plant is expected to play a significant role in boosting power supply to the southeast region and driving economic growth.