Revival Ends Long Disruption at Key Abia Facility
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company has restored operations at the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State after a 36-month shutdown.
Gas supply disruptions, metering disputes, and unpaid obligations had forced the facility offline.
NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije, disclosed the development during a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
She said the company made major technical and financial efforts to return the plant to service.
Alaoji Remains a Strategic National Asset
The Alaoji Power Plant is one of Nigeria’s major government-owned power facilities.
It sits in Alaoji near Aba in Abia State.
The plant was developed under the National Integrated Power Projects.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration initiated the project to expand power generation.
The gas-fired plant supports electricity supply to the South-East and the national grid.
However, years of gas shortages, vandalism, debts, and commercial disputes affected its operations.
These setbacks led to repeated shutdowns and underuse.
Abia Eyes Electricity Partnership With NDPHC
Adighije praised reforms in Abia’s electricity sector.
She highlighted the Aba ring-fenced power arrangement and the state electricity regulatory agency.
She also said the Electricity Act now creates stronger opportunities for partnerships between generation firms and state governments.
NDPHC said it hopes to form a strategic alliance with Abia State to improve power supply.
Otti Says Plant Can Drive Growth
Governor Alex Otti described the plant’s revival as a major boost for industrialisation and economic growth.
He said the return of the facility could improve business activities and living standards in Abia.
Otti added that the plant has room for expansion.
He said output could grow from current levels to 800 megawatts. Later, it may reach 1,100 megawatts if funding becomes available.
The governor stressed that stable electricity remains central to economic development.
State Pushes New Electricity Access Plan
Otti said his administration has prioritised power infrastructure since taking office in 2023.
He revealed that Abia had already ring-fenced the Umuahia electricity market.
The state also signed agreements with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
The deal covers electricity assets in Umuahia and nearby communities.
He said the Umuahia ring-fence alone needs about 100 megawatts.
The government is also investing in renewable energy and mini-grid systems.
Otti directed the state’s power commissioner to begin talks with NDPHC.
The discussions will focus on wheeling electricity from Alaoji to Umuahia and other parts of the state.
Plant Expected to Strengthen Grid Stability
Nigeria continues to face major electricity challenges.
Gas shortages, weak infrastructure, vandalism, and liquidity problems still affect the power sector.
The revival of Alaoji is expected to strengthen electricity supply in the South-East.
It may also improve national grid stability as states seek direct power deals under the Electricity Act.
