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By Adewale Sanyaolu
The House of Representatives Committee on Power has passed a vote of confidence on the management of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) following a detailed inspection of the Alaoji Power Plant and a comprehensive briefing on its ongoing upgrade.
The endorsement came during an oversight visit where lawmakers assessed the progress of the project to convert the facility from Open Cycle to Combined Cycle operations, a transformation expected to significantly boost electricity generation.
The delegation, led by Mr. Victor Nwokolo, Chairman of the House Committee on Power, alongside other committee members, carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the plant and engaged with NDPHC management, headed by Jennifer Adighije.
The lawmakers received updates on the plant’s status and the activities of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor overseeing the conversion project. The management team explained that the upgrade would transform the plant from a simple gas turbine operation into a combined-cycle system, utilising exhaust heat from gas turbines to generate additional electricity via steam turbines, thereby maximising efficiency, optimising gas utilisation, and increasing power output for the national grid.
During the visit, committee members toured the plant, interacted with project engineers, and gained firsthand insight into the milestones, challenges, and ongoing activities of the project.
Adighije reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule, providing operational and technical support to the EPC contractor to prevent delays.
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She emphasised the strategic importance of the Alaoji upgrade for Nigeria’s electricity generation, highlighting the company’s focus on improving power reliability, supporting economic growth, and enhancing electricity supply nationwide.
Following the inspection and briefing, the House Committee expressed satisfaction with the transparency and progress demonstrated by NDPHC management and passed a vote of confidence in the company’s leadership.
The lawmakers, while commending the management, reiterated the need for strict monitoring and accountability, directing the EPC contractor to provide daily updates to the NDPHC management to ensure timely execution and smooth coordination.
They also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, noting that reliable power supply remains critical to national development, industrial growth, and improved living standards for citizens.
The Alaoji Power Plant is a key asset under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), a federal initiative designed to rapidly expand Nigeria’s electricity generation and transmission capacity.
Once fully upgraded to combined-cycle operations, the plant is expected to generate additional megawatts, significantly improving operational efficiency and optimising the energy potential of its existing gas turbines. Industry experts note that combined-cycle technology increases fuel efficiency while reducing operational costs, making it one of the most effective methods to enhance electricity output from existing gas-fired plants.
The vote of confidence underscores the importance of continued collaboration between policymakers, project contractors, and NDPHC management to accelerate the completion of the Alaoji upgrade and contribute to the broader goal of improving electricity supply across Nigeria.
