The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has successfully revived the Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State after the facility remained inactive for about three years due to gas supply challenges and financial disputes.
The development marks a major boost for Nigeria’s power sector, especially for businesses and residents in Abia State who have long struggled with unstable electricity supply.
Speaking during a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Jennifer Adighije, explained that the plant was shut down in 2023 after disagreements over gas metering and supply arrangements.
According to her, the issues led gas supplier TotalEnergies to suspend gas delivery to the plant, while unpaid debts also worsened the situation.
Adighije said restoring the facility became one of the company’s key priorities after she assumed office in 2024. She revealed that NDPHC carried out repairs on the damaged gas pipelines and also settled outstanding debts owed to TotalEnergies, leading to the restoration of gas supply.
She added that several technical and electromechanical repairs were completed at the power station, allowing three generating units to resume operations.
The restored units, identified as GT1, GT22, and GT23, can now contribute about 375 megawatts of electricity to Nigeria’s national grid.
Adighije noted that the plant already has strong transmission infrastructure and currently faces no major challenges in evacuating power to the grid. She described the facility as an important asset capable of supporting industrial growth and improving electricity supply across the country.
She also praised the Abia State government for reforms introduced in the electricity sector, including the Aba ring-fenced electricity arrangement and the establishment of a state electricity regulatory agency.
According to her, the company plans to work more closely with states and private electricity users under the new Electricity Act to improve power delivery nationwide.
“We would love to build a strategic partnership with Abia State because of the government’s strong commitment to achieving stable electricity supply,” she said.
In response, Governor Otti commended NDPHC for reviving the power plant, describing the achievement as a major step toward economic growth and industrial development in Abia State.
The governor recalled visiting the plant when it was inactive and expressed satisfaction that the facility had finally returned to operation.
Otti further disclosed that there are plans to expand the plant’s generation capacity from 450 megawatts to about 800 megawatts in the future, with the possibility of eventually reaching 1,100 megawatts if adequate funding becomes available.
He stressed that electricity remains one of the most important foundations for economic development and job creation, adding that his administration has prioritised investments in the power sector since taking office in 2023.
The governor also revealed that the state government had already entered agreements to acquire electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia and nearby communities from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
According to him, the Umuahia ring-fenced power project alone would require around 100 megawatts of electricity to effectively serve eight local government areas.
He added that Abia State is also investing in renewable energy and mini-grid projects to strengthen electricity access across the state.
Following a tour of the facility, Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utility, Monday Ikechukwu, assured NDPHC of the government’s readiness to begin commercial discussions aimed at improving electricity distribution within the state.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Alaoji Power Plant, Emenogu Augustine Uzoma, stated that the facility is fully prepared for stable operations.
