NDPHC restores Alaoji plant after three years shutdown
Omeiza Bilal
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, have announced the restoration of the 450 megawatts Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State after it was shut down in 2023 over gas supply and metering disputes.
Adighije disclosed this during a meeting with the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, where she briefed the governor on efforts taken by the company to revive the power plant.
She explained that the plant was shut down after disparities emerged between metering and trading points, leading gas supplier TotalEnergies to suspend supply to the facility, while debts also accumulated.
According to her, upon assuming office in 2024, the restoration of the Alaoji plant became a priority for the company.
She said: “The good news is that we have carried out and fixed all the remedial works on the defective gas line. We’ve also been able to completely defray our past due obligations to Total, and Total has restored gas supply to the plant”.
Responding, Governor Otti praised the management of NDPHC for bringing the Alaoji plant back to life, describing the development as critical to economic growth and industrial development in the state.
“The last time I visited the Alaoji plant, it was regrettable that such capacity was wasting away. I’m glad to learn that you have brought it back to life,” the governor said.
Otti revealed that the plant could eventually be expanded to 800 megawatts and later to about 1,100 megawatts, subject to the availability of funds.
He reiterated that power remained one of the most critical drivers of economic development, noting that his administration prioritised electricity infrastructure since assuming office in 2023.
The governor also disclosed that the state government had ring-fenced the Umuahia electricity market and entered into an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to acquire electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia and surrounding areas.
Speaking after a tour of the plant, the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utility, Engr. Monday Ikechukwu, assured Adighije of the state government’s willingness to partner with the company.
Earlier, the Acting Chief Operating Officer, Alaoji Power Plant, Engr. Emenogu Augustine Uzoma explained that the plant was ready for full operations.
