Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has assured the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria of the state government’s intervention to ensure the completion of the National Integrated Power Project located along the Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi axis of the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the NDPHC, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije, at the Government House in Uyo.
He noted that completing the transmission project would significantly boost power supply in the state and contribute to the development of the nation’s power sector.
He said, “The completion of this project is critical to our industrialization drive and to providing stable power for our people. Government will intervene to ensure outstanding issues are resolved.”
Governor Eno said the state’s intervention was aimed at facilitating the completion of the 330kV transmission line and improving electricity supply across Akwa Ibom.
In her remarks, NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer commended Eno for his willingness to intervene, describing the gesture as a significant complement to the development efforts of the administration.
“I sincerely commend the governor for the willingness to intervene. This kind gesture will significantly complement the development efforts of your administration. We are ready to collaborate with the state,” Adighije said.
She disclosed that non-payment of wayleave compensation to members of communities affected by the project had stalled its completion.
“This project which commenced about 20 years ago has faced several challenges, particularly those relating to compensation with host community,” Adighije said.
She explained that the delegation’s visit was primarily to brief the governor on the challenges confronting the project and to seek the state government’s intervention to facilitate its completion.
The NDPHC boss also congratulated Eno on the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
She expressed the company’s readiness to collaborate with the state in developing an effective electricity market framework that would improve power distribution and regulation in Akwa Ibom.
Adighije appealed to the state government to intervene in the outstanding issues to enable NDPHC to complete the project for the benefit of Akwa Ibom residents and the country at large.