NDPHC Restores Alaoji Power Plant, Adds 375MW to National Grid After Two-Year Shutdown

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has restored operations at the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, ending a shutdown that lasted since 2023 following gas supply and metering disputes.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, disclosed this during a meeting with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, where she briefed him on efforts undertaken to revive the facility.

According to Adighije, the shutdown occurred after discrepancies emerged between metering and trading points, prompting gas supplier TotalEnergies to suspend gas supply to the plant amid mounting debts.

She said reviving the Alaoji plant became one of the company’s top priorities after she assumed office in 2024.

“The good news is that we have carried out and fixed all the remedial works on the defective gas line. We have also completely defrayed our outstanding obligations to Total, and gas supply to the plant has now been restored,” she said.

Adighije explained that extensive electromechanical repairs had also been completed, leading to the restoration of three generating units — GT1, GT22, and GT23 — now capable of dispatching about 375 megawatts to the national grid.

She described the Alaoji facility as a strategic generation plant with strong transmission infrastructure and minimal evacuation constraints capable of supporting stable electricity supply.

The NDPHC boss further commended the Abia State Government for reforms in the power sector, particularly the Aba ring-fenced electricity arrangement and the establishment of the state electricity regulatory agency.

According to her, the company is leveraging provisions of the Electricity Act and the emerging bilateral electricity market to collaborate with states and eligible customers to improve electricity supply nationwide.

“We would love to form a strategic alliance with Abia State, considering your administration’s determination to secure uninterrupted electricity for the people of the state,” she added.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti praised the revival of the power plant, describing it as a major boost for industrialisation and economic growth in Abia State.

“The last time I visited the Alaoji plant, it was regrettable that such huge capacity was lying idle. I am glad to learn that the plant has now been brought back to life,” Otti said.

The governor disclosed that the facility could eventually be expanded from its current capacity to about 800 megawatts and later to approximately 1,100 megawatts, depending on funding availability.

Otti reiterated that electricity remains a major driver of economic development, noting that his administration prioritised power infrastructure immediately after assuming office in 2023.

He also revealed that the state had ring-fenced the Umuahia electricity market and entered into an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to acquire distribution assets covering Umuahia and surrounding communities.

According to him, the state would require about 100 megawatts to service the eight local government areas under the Umuahia ring-fence, while investments in renewable energy and mini-grid projects were ongoing.

The governor directed the state Commissioner for Power to work with NDPHC officials on modalities for wheeling electricity from the Alaoji plant to Umuahia and other parts of the state.

He further assured the company of the state government’s support and urged NDPHC to remain committed despite challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.

Speaking after a tour of the facility, the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utility, Engr. Monday Ikechukwu, reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with NDPHC to improve electricity supply.

He said the state was prepared to begin commercial negotiations with the company, stressing that reliable electricity supply remains a key priority of the administration.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Alaoji Power Plant, Engr. Emenogu Augustine Uzoma, declared that the facility was fully ready for operations.