The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has announced a strategic shift toward renewable energy and direct electricity supply to industrial clusters to stabilise power and reduce production costs.
Managing Director, Mrs. Jennifer Adighije, said the initiative prioritises long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and closing electricity gaps that hinder industrial productivity.
Renewable Integration and Industrial Focus
NDPHC is integrating solar and small hydro projects with its gas-fired plants under the National Integrated Power Project. A pilot solar project in Kano State will provide dedicated, reliable electricity to industrial hubs, reducing reliance on diesel generators and cutting production costs.
“The initiative will serve as a template for similar interventions across major industrial centres nationwide,” Adighije said.
Under its ‘Light Up Nigeria’ programme, the company plans to supply power directly to industrial clusters, markets, universities, and residential communities to stimulate job creation, attract investment, and support small and medium-sized enterprises affected by erratic supply.
Capacity Expansion and Optimisation
NDPHC currently operates 10 plants across 10 states, with eight commissioned and six in commercial operation, providing about 4,000 megawatts—nearly 30% of Nigeria’s grid-connected generation. Over the past year, the company recovered around 900 megawatts of dormant capacity through optimisation and predictive maintenance.
The company also retrieved 110 abandoned containers and 216 packages of critical equipment from ports to accelerate ongoing generation, transmission, and distribution projects nationwide.
Challenges and Market Reforms
Despite progress, Adighije acknowledged structural constraints, including limited transmission network capacity, gas shortages accounting for nearly 60% of thermal plant costs, and liquidity challenges. Only about 30% of electricity market invoices are currently settled, straining the power value chain.
She advocated a gradual shift to cost-reflective tariffs, decoupling government subsidies from electricity pricing, and consistent implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 to unlock investment and strengthen infrastructure.
“Reliable electricity remains the backbone of industrialisation and improved living standards. With targeted renewable investments and dedicated industrial solutions, Nigeria’s power reliability will significantly improve in the years ahead,” Adighije said.
