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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has threatened to remove illegal structures erected on Federal Government rights of way for power transmission projects being executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
The House of Representatives also lamented that encroachment and vandalism are undermining investments in the power sector.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kuye Ademorin, stated this after inspecting the 132kV New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State and the Egbu 330/132/33kV substation in Owerri, Imo State.
Other lawmakers on the inspection tour were Mark Obetta, Lanre Okunlola, Sani Rigo and Canice Moore Nwachukwu.
The committee observed that churches, hotels, private residences and state government buildings had been erected along the designated transmission routes, threatening the timely completion of the projects.
The committee disclosed that the Owerri substation, which is about 85 per cent complete, would add about 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State and significantly improve supply to the Orlu area.
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The project, first awarded in 2006, has received renewed attention under the leadership of NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije.
Ademorin expressed concern over the proliferation of buildings along designated transmission routes, questioning how state authorities could approve such developments despite existing Federal Government rights of way.
He said the encroachment had delayed projects designed to improve electricity supply and stimulate industrial development, while vandalism had further undermined public investments.
The lawmaker called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to protect public assets and ensure timely project delivery.
Ademorin commended the NDPHC for the quality of work at the Owerri substation, expressing optimism that its expected completion around March 2027 would transform industrial activities across the South East.
In a statement, he appealed to the governors of Enugu and Imo states to work with NDPHC to address encroachment, protect federal assets and accelerate project delivery.
