NDPHC targets renewables, industrial clusters to boost power reliability, says MD

 

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, has said the company is diversifying into renewable energy and direct electricity supply to industrial clusters to improve power reliability and drive economic growth.

Speaking during a television programme monitored in Lagos, Adighije said the strategy is focused on sustainability, operational efficiency and closing electricity supply gaps that undermine industrial productivity. She explained that NDPHC is integrating cleaner energy sources such as solar and small hydro projects to complement its existing gas-fired plants developed under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

According to her, the company is developing a pilot solar project targeted at industrial clusters in Kano State. The initiative is designed to provide dedicated and reliable electricity to manufacturing hubs, reduce reliance on diesel generators, cut production costs and boost competitiveness.

She added that similar projects could be replicated in other industrial centres nationwide.

Adighije said NDPHC is also exploring direct electricity supply arrangements with distribution companies and eligible customers within existing regulations to ensure that generated power reaches high-demand clusters where it can deliver maximum economic impact.

Under its “Light Up Nigeria” initiative, the company aims to provide reliable power to industrial and commercial clusters, markets, universities and residential communities through embedded and independent power solutions, supporting job creation and small business growth.

On infrastructure, she noted that NDPHC has built 10 power plants in 10 states under the NIPP, with eight commissioned and six in commercial operation. Installed capacity stands at about 4,000 megawatts—nearly 30 per cent of Nigeria’s grid capacity. Over the past year, the company recovered about 900 megawatts of dormant capacity through optimisation and improved maintenance.

Adighije, however, cited transmission constraints, gas supply shortages and liquidity challenges as key sector hurdles, advocating cost-reflective tariffs and consistent implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 to attract investment and ensure long-term sustainability.