The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has announced plans to expand renewable energy investments in northern Nigeria as part of a proposed second phase of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).
The company said the new phase will place greater emphasis on solar power, mini-hydropower and off-grid solutions, with the aim of addressing persistent electricity shortages and supporting Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner energy sources.
NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, disclosed the plans in Abuja during an oversight visit to the company’s headquarters by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Hon. Victor Nwokolo.
According to Adighije, the first phase of the NIPP was largely built around fossil-fuel-based electricity generation. However, the company is now preparing to broaden its energy mix in line with the objectives of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, particularly by exploiting the country’s renewable energy resources.
She explained that solar and other renewable energy interventions would be particularly important in northern communities where extending conventional grid infrastructure may be challenging. The proposed projects are expected to include off-grid systems, mini-hydropower schemes and other solar-based initiatives designed to improve electricity access.
Adighije disclosed that NDPHC currently contributes approximately 4,000 megawatts (MW) to Nigeria’s power system, representing about 30 per cent of the country’s estimated 12,000MW installed generation capacity.
She also provided an update on the company’s NIPP generation projects, noting that of the 10 power plants developed under the first phase, seven are currently commercially operational, while two are still under construction and another is undergoing upgrading.
Beyond generation, the NDPHC boss highlighted the company’s investments in transmission infrastructure. She said 120 transmission projects have been completed, comprising 60 330kV substations, 31 132kV substations and 37 expansion projects.
These projects, she said, have increased the country’s installed transformer capacity to more than 10,000MVA, while several distribution interventions have also been undertaken, including the installation of transformers and construction of 33kV and 11kV lines across different parts of the country.
Giving an account of her first 100 days in office, Adighije said the company had recovered 110 abandoned containers and 216 packages, resulting in savings estimated at more than N30 billion.
She added that the administration had made progress in areas including debt recovery, digitalisation, procurement reforms and asset restoration. Several generation units have also been recovered, including turbines whose return to service restored approximately 470MW of generation capacity to the national grid.
The NDPHC chief executive further disclosed that the company had recovered about $12 million in outstanding payments from cross-border customers in Togo, as part of a larger debt estimated at more than $50 million.
Despite these achievements, Adighije identified several challenges affecting the performance of the power sector. These include transmission constraints, inadequate tariffs, weak electricity market settlements, gas supply limitations, outstanding debts and vandalism of critical infrastructure.
She revealed that NDPHC currently has more than 1,500MW of mechanically available generation capacity, but only around 500MW is dispatched on an hourly basis. The resulting stranded capacity, she said, has cost the company more than N300 billion.
Adighije therefore called for a review of the existing dispatch merit order, arguing that a more effective system could help unlock available generation capacity and improve electricity supplied to the national grid.
She also appealed to the House Committee to assist in recovering outstanding debts owed to NDPHC. Among the obligations highlighted was more than N400 billion owed by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), as well as financial obligations connected to NDPHC assets recognised within the regulated asset base of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
Responding to the presentation, Committee Chairman Victor Nwokolo commended the NDPHC management for its efforts to improve power generation and strengthen the wider electricity system.
Nwokolo stressed that generation, transmission and distribution are closely interconnected, noting that weaknesses in any part of the electricity value chain can ultimately affect the performance of the entire sector.
He also praised Adighije’s management of operational challenges within the company, citing the Alaoji power plant as an example of how proactive intervention could prevent potentially more serious setbacks in the power sector.
The committee chairman assured NDPHC that lawmakers would examine the concerns raised by the company and engage relevant stakeholders in seeking practical solutions.
He said the oversight visit was intended to provide lawmakers with a clearer understanding of NDPHC’s operations and challenges, while creating an avenue for the National Assembly to offer appropriate support rather than generate unnecessary friction between the legislature and the power company.
Nwokolo further commended NDPHC for its willingness to receive legislative oversight, describing such engagements as important opportunities for government agencies to demonstrate their achievements, identify challenges and seek the support required to deliver on their mandates.
The proposed renewable-energy expansion is expected to form part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to diversify its electricity mix, improve access to power and advance the country’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
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