NDPHC invests over N500b in transmission infrastructure | The Guardian Nigeria News

The Managing Director of the government-owned Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Ltd., Jennifer Adighije, has revealed that the company has invested more than N500 billion in transmission infrastructure across Nigeria.

While transmission infrastructure is not directly a responsibility of the company, Adighije, while inspecting a 330/132/33kV Lafia Transmission Substation in Nasarawa State on Thursday, said the substation, constructed by NDPHC and commissioned in 2022, is regarded as a key national asset in improving power supply in the region.

Describing the facility as “world-class,” Adighije noted that the substation has significantly boosted electricity supply to Nasarawa and neighbouring states. She said the project aligns with international standards and serves as part of NDPHC’s mandate to reinforce the national power grid.

“We are at the Lafia Transmission Substation, a project delivered by NDPHC and handed over to the Transmission Company of Nigeria. It comprises two 150 MVA transformers, two 60 MVA transformers, and a 75 MVA reactor,” she explained.

“By every standard, this is one of the best you’ll find anywhere globally, and we are proud to have delivered it in line with best practices. NDPHC, as an intervention agency, provides critical backbone infrastructure for the power sector, supporting the entire gas-to-power value chain.”

The NDPHC boss stated that the company has committed over N500 billion to a wide range of transmission projects, including substations, transformers, line-bay extensions, and transmission lines nationwide.

She added: “Despite the liquidity crisis we’re experiencing in the sector, we remain committed to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to expand generation, transmission, and access to electricity.”

Addressing concerns over the company’s generation capacity, Adighije dismissed reports that NDPHC is underperforming in power generation.

According to her, the real constraint lies in the limited capacity of the transmission grid to evacuate generated power.

“For those who claim that NDPHC cannot generate optimally, I want to clarify that we actually have more generation capacity than the grid can currently evacuate. Our challenge is not generation, but transmission. We are undeterred and will continue to channel resources into scaling up our transmission capacity,” she asserted.

During the visit, Adighije also led the NDPHC delegation on a courtesy call to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, to appreciate the state’s support for the company’s projects.

Citing the transformative potential of the Electricity Act, she noted that it allows power stakeholders to engage in bilateral transactions and tailor energy solutions at the state level.

“With the enactment of the Electricity Act, we can now engage stakeholders in Nasarawa to stimulate market activity and extend electricity access to the last mile,” she said.