High expectations as Adighije assumes duty at NDPHC

By Uche Usim

In life, as in leadership, there is a time to sow and a time to reap. For the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the time has come to harvest the seeds of progress sown by its former leaders and chart a new course under the new leadership of Jennifer Adighije, a seasoned engineer. Her ascent to the helm of one of Nigeria’s most critical energy institutions marks the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with promise, innovation, and a renewed commitment to powering the nation.

On Monday, August 26, 2024, Adighije officially assumed the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, succeeding Chiedu Ugbo, who had successfully completed two consecutive terms in office. Ugbo’s eight years of leadership left an indelible mark on the company, characterized by extensive contributions to Nigeria’s power sector, particularly in energy law, power project documentation, and electricity industry reform. Under his leadership, NDPHC grew into a major force in the energy landscape, contributing significantly to the national grid and stabilizing electricity generation across Nigeria.

Adighije inherits a robust legacy but faces the challenge of steering the company into a new era of energy consolidation and expansion. Her predecessor, Chiedu Ugbo, an electric energy law specialist with over three decades of experience, was instrumental in shaping NDPHC’s journey. Ugbo’s tenure saw significant advancements in power sector reform, with his expertise stretching beyond Nigeria’s borders, particularly through his role as a senior special assistant to the president on power privatisation and as a member of Nigeria’s Advisory Power Team.

Before Ugbo, there was James Olotu, a pioneering leader who laid the foundational structures of the NDPHC. Olotu, with his background in auditing at the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), played a central role in establishing the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). This ambitious project aimed to address Nigeria’s energy challenges through the construction of gas-fired power stations and the expansion of electricity distribution and transmission infrastructure. Over the years, Olotu and Ugbo both played their part in transforming the NDPHC into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy development.

Under the leadership of these two men, the NDPHC saw the construction of critical infrastructure—power plants, transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks—that form the backbone of Nigeria’s national grid. The NIPP, which initially focused on seven gas-fired power stations in oil-producing regions, expanded to ten stations across multiple states, including Kogi, Ogun, and Ondo, delivering over 3,500 megawatts of electricity to the grid and accounting for over 40 percent of Nigeria’s power needs.

But as Adighije takes the baton, the company now stands at a critical juncture. While much has been achieved, significant work remains to consolidate these gains, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure that NDPHC continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s energy future. Three power plants remain under construction, and vast stretches of transmission and distribution networks await optimisation. For Adighije, the task ahead is as much about nurturing what has been built as it is about innovating for the future.

Born on April 15, 1983, in Abia State, Adighije brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and youthful energy to her new role. A graduate of the University of Lagos, where she earned a degree in electrical and electronics engineering, she went on to obtain a master’s degree in wireless networks and telecommunications from Queen Mary University of London. Her professional journey has spanned sectors as diverse as telecommunications, power, and finance, including stints with Globacom, Helios Towers, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In 2023, she served as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on entrepreneurship development, innovation, and the digital economy—a role that solidified her reputation as a forward-thinking leader.

Her academic and professional background sets her apart as a leader with a deep understanding of the technical, operational, and strategic dimensions of the power sector. But what truly defines Adighije’s leadership is her commitment to innovation, efficiency, and people-centered growth. As she takes the reins at NDPHC, her vision is anchored on three key pillars: optimising asset performance, streamlining processes for greater efficiency, and harnessing the power of technology and human capital to drive positive change within the organisation and beyond.

With the Federal Government aiming to increase grid electricity generation and distribution to 6,000 megawatts by the end of 2024, Adighije’s mandate is clear. NDPHC must not only maintain its position as a leading contributor to the national grid but also play a pivotal role in achieving this ambitious target. Her emphasis on leveraging technology and empowering the company’s human capital speaks to her understanding that sustainable growth requires both innovation and investment in people.

In her words, “Our human capital is our greatest asset. It is the powerhouse that will assist in making positive change.” This focus on people is central to Adighije’s leadership philosophy, and it is already evident in the confidence she has inspired among NDPHC’s workforce. Though her appointment initially met with some skepticism due to her youth, Adighije’s calm, approachable demeanor, coupled with her clear sense of purpose, has quickly won over stakeholders and staff alike.

Beyond her professional life, Adighije is a passionate advocate for social change and digital inclusion. A life member of the Rotary Club, she dedicates her time and resources to mentoring young people through her involvement with the Digi-Tech Empowerment Foundation for Youths.

This foundation focuses on bridging the digital divide, providing vulnerable youths with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Her commitment to social impact reflects a broader vision of leadership that goes beyond corporate success to encompass community development and national progress.

At 41, Adighije’s leadership places her among a growing cohort of young, dynamic leaders reshaping global industries and governments. Her ascent to the top of NDPHC mirrors the stories of global trailblazers like Emmanuel Macron, Jacinda Ardern, and Sebastian Kurz—leaders who, through vision and determination, have achieved extraordinary success at a relatively young age.

Jennifer Adighije’s appointment is not just a milestone for NDPHC; it signals a new era for Nigeria’s energy sector. As she steps into this role, she carries with her the weight of expectations from a nation eager to overcome its energy challenges. But with her experience, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence, there is every reason to believe that she will not only meet these expectations but exceed them. The stage is set for a new dawn at NDPHC, one defined by innovation, growth, and the promise of a brighter, more electrified future for Nigeria.