The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has announced the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State after the facility was shut down in 2023 due to gas supply and metering challenges.
The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije, disclosed this during a meeting with Alex Otti, where she outlined steps taken to restore operations at the plant.
According to a statement issued by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications and External Relations, Emmanuel Ojor, the power plant was previously shut after disagreements over metering and trading points led gas supplier Total Energies to suspend supply, while outstanding debts also mounted.
Adighije explained that restoring the Alaoji facility became one of the company’s top priorities after she assumed office in 2024.
She revealed that remedial works on the defective gas pipeline had been completed and all outstanding obligations owed to TotalEnergies had been cleared, paving the way for the restoration of gas supply to the plant.
The NDPHC boss further stated that major electro-mechanical repairs had been carried out, resulting in the reactivation of three generating units — GT1, GT22, and GT23 — which can now supply about 375 megawatts to the national grid.
She noted that the plant possesses sufficient transmission infrastructure with minimal evacuation limitations, making it a strategic facility for electricity generation and distribution.
Adighije also praised the Abia State Government for ongoing reforms in the electricity sector, particularly the Aba ring-fenced power initiative and the establishment of a state electricity regulatory agency.
According to her, the company is exploring opportunities under the Electricity Act and the emerging bilateral electricity market to collaborate with states and eligible customers in improving electricity supply nationwide.
She added that NDPHC is interested in forming a strategic partnership with the Abia State Government to support efforts aimed at achieving stable electricity supply across the state.
In his remarks, Governor Otti commended the company for reviving the Alaoji plant, describing the development as vital for economic and industrial growth in Abia State.
The governor noted that the facility has the potential to expand from its current capacity to 800MW and eventually 1,100MW, subject to funding availability.
He reiterated that electricity remains central to economic development and revealed that his administration had prioritised power infrastructure since assuming office in 2023.
Otti also disclosed that the state government had ring-fenced the Umuahia electricity market and entered into an agreement with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to acquire electricity distribution assets serving Umuahia and nearby communities.
According to him, the Umuahia ring-fenced area would require about 100MW of electricity, while investments in renewable energy and mini-grid projects are also underway.
The governor directed the state Commissioner for Power and Public Utility, Monday Ikechukwu, to work with NDPHC officials on plans for transmitting electricity from the Alaoji plant to Umuahia and other parts of the state.
Following a tour of the facility, the commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with NDPHC and commence commercial discussions aimed at improving electricity supply in the state.
