Infrastructure funding: NDPHC calls for Presidential intervention to resolve N4trn debt owed GenCos

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Limited, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, has called for urgent presidential intervention to tackle the severe financial crisis crippling Nigeria’s power sector. She made this appeal while hosting the House Committee on Power, led by Chairman Victor Nwokolo, during their inspection of the Egbema National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Power Plant.

Expressing deep concern over the sector’s financial struggles, Adighije stressed the need for immediate action, starting with the settlement of over N4 trillion owed to Generation Companies (GenCos). She also urged the government to facilitate funding for ongoing projects to expand electricity access across the country.

A statement released on Friday by the NDPHC’s General Manager for Communication & Public Relations, Olufunke Nwankwo, explained that the visit aimed to evaluate the project’s progress and discuss the broader challenges affecting both the power plant and the sector as a whole.

According to the statement, “On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd., Engr. Jennifer Adighije, welcomed the House Committee on Power, led by Chairman Hon. Victor Nwokolo, to the Egbema NIPP Power Plant for a site inspection.

“The visit was conducted to assess the progress of the ongoing project and to deliberate on the various obstacles facing the power sector.

“During the inspection, she drew attention to the sector’s overwhelming financial crisis, particularly the N4 trillion debt owed to GenCos. She urged for presidential intervention to secure funding for ongoing projects, settle outstanding debts, and improve electricity supply nationwide.”

Providing an update on the Egbema Power Plant, Adighije outlined that the project consists of three generating units with a total installed capacity of 375MW. She noted that the contract was awarded in 2023 to China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) and is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

She reassured the delegation that NDPHC is closely monitoring the project to ensure timely delivery and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing the president’s vision for a reliable and affordable electricity supply—positioning NDPHC as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s power sector.

In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Victor Nwokolo, commended the NDPHC management for its proactive approach in revitalising the Egbema Power Plant. He acknowledged that the project had suffered delays due to legal disputes but credited the new management and contractors for significantly accelerating progress.

He noted that, based on their findings, around 60% of the work has been completed, bringing the project closer to commissioning. He expressed confidence that with adequate funding, the contractors would deliver on schedule.

Nwokolo also praised the Honourable Minister of Power for his leadership in driving critical energy projects forward. He assured that, with sufficient financial backing, the Egbema Power Plant would soon reach full operational capacity and integrate seamlessly with other functional power plants.

Addressing concerns about sector funding, he welcomed the increase in the power sector’s budget under the supplementary budget, describing it as a clear demonstration of the president’s commitment to resolving Nigeria’s energy challenges.

He further assured that the National Assembly would ensure that allocated funds are effectively utilised, pledging that budgetary allocations for the sector would remain intact and be channelled towards the country’s energy development goals.