Abia Moves to Partner NDPHC for Uninterrupted Electricity Supply

The Abia State Government is finalising plans to partner with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to deliver uninterrupted electricity supply across the state through strategic collaborations and bold reforms in the power sector.
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring stable and reliable electricity for residents and businesses across the state.
Governor Otti disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engineer Jennifer Adighije, and her delegation during a high-level meeting at the Government House.
The Governor described electricity as one of the most critical drivers of economic growth, industrial productivity, healthcare delivery, education, and overall quality of life.
He stressed that his administration had prioritised stable power supply since assuming office in 2023.
“Power is one of the most important infrastructures for driving growth in any economy. Production depends on power. Life itself depends on power. Schools, hospitals, everybody requires power,” Otti stated.
He commended the leadership of NDPHC for successfully restoring the 450MW Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant after extensive remedial works and the settlement of outstanding obligations with gas suppliers.
“We want to congratulate you and thank you again for bringing the Alaoji plant back to life. Generating close to 400 megawatts is a major achievement,” he said.
Governor Otti noted that the seamless evacuation capacity along the Alaoji corridor presents a significant opportunity for Abia State, particularly the Umuahia ring-fenced power market, which the government is actively developing.
He further disclosed that the state government had entered into an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire and take over electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia, Arochukwu, Umunneochi, and other local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and improve electricity distribution across the state.
“That agreement has been signed, and we are now at the payment stage. Once completed, and with the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, we will have the framework necessary to drive efficient power distribution within the state,” Governor Otti added.
The Governor also emphasised the state’s readiness to partner with NDPHC to wheel electricity directly from the Alaoji Power Plant to Umuahia and surrounding communities.
He described the proposed arrangement as “a low-hanging fruit” capable of rapidly transforming economic activities within the area.
Otti highlighted ongoing investments in renewable energy and mini-grid projects across the state, noting that Abia is strategically positioning itself to achieve sustainable and reliable electricity supply through a diversified energy mix.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engineer Jennifer Adighije, informed the Governor that the company had successfully restored three generating units at the Alaoji Power Plant, making about 375MW currently available for dispatch to the national grid.
She explained that the plant had been shut down since 2023 due to discrepancies in gas metering and trading points, which resulted in supply disruptions and the accumulation of debts.
According to her, under her leadership, the company carried out extensive electromechanical and gas-line remediation works while also clearing outstanding obligations owed to TotalEnergies.
Adighije commended Governor Otti’s reforms in the electricity sector, particularly the Aba ring-fenced power model and the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency.
She described Abia as one of the leading sub-national governments driving electricity market reforms in Nigeria.
Adighije also expressed NDPHC’s readiness to partner with the Abia State Government under the new Electricity Act framework to ensure reliable electricity supply for households, industries, and commercial clusters across the state.
“As the largest power generation company in Nigeria, with over 4,000 megawatts of installed capacity, we are aggressively pursuing strategic partnerships with state governments and eligible customers. We believe Abia State presents a strong and viable partnership opportunity,” she added.
Those present during the visit included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu.