Reps commend NDPHC on safety at Calabar plant, demand improved worker welfare
The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has commended the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for maintaining high safety standards at the Calabar Power Plant in Odukpani, Cross River State.
The lawmakers gave the commendation during an inspection of the 565MW facility on Monday, describing it as one of the best they had visited in terms of compliance and worker safety.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, said the visit was aimed at ensuring safe work environments across the country and noted remarkable improvements since the committee’s last assessment in 2018.
“My impression here is positive. We appreciate organisations that take safety seriously, and what we have seen in Calabar is commendable,” Zacharias said.
He, however, stressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly in staff welfare. The committee urged NDPHC to provide better lighting, rest areas for shift workers, and adequate seating in offices.
Other members of the committee on the visit included Hon. Harrison Anozie Nwadike, Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, Hon. Kalejaiye Paul Adeboye, Hon. El-Rasheed Abdullahi, and Hon. Emmanuel Effiong Udo.
Responding, the General Manager, Generation Projects, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, who represented NDPHC’s Executive Director, Generation, said safety remained a top priority for the company.
“The welfare of our workforce is central to our operations, and we will address the areas highlighted by the committee to ensure even better conditions for our staff,” she said.
Ag. Head of Health, Safety and Environment at the plant, Mr. Austin Ijagem, also disclosed that the Calabar Power Plant has not recorded any fatal work-related accident since operations began. He added that safety concerns flagged in 2018 had been resolved, bringing the facility close to “zero pending issues.”
The lawmakers were conducted round the plant by its Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Ayoade Olanrewaju Bex.