Gas supply restored as NDPHC revives Abia-based 450MW facility amid renewed push for improved electricity supply……
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has announced the restoration of operations at the 450 megawatts Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, bringing the facility back online after its shutdown in 2023 over gas supply disruptions and metering disputes.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, disclosed this during a meeting with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, where she provided an update on efforts to revive the long-idle plant.
According to her, the shutdown was triggered by discrepancies between metering and trading points, which led gas supplier TotalEnergies to suspend supply, while unresolved debts further compounded the situation.
Adighije said the plant’s restoration became a priority after she assumed office in 2024, with extensive technical and financial interventions carried out to bring it back into operation.
“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,” she said.
She explained that major electromechanical rehabilitation works were also completed, leading to the reactivation of three generating units GT1, GT22, and GT23 which together can now dispatch about 375 megawatts to the national grid.
Adighije added that the plant has sufficient transmission infrastructure, noting that there are no significant evacuation constraints limiting its ability to supply power to the grid.
She described the Alaoji facility as a viable asset within Nigeria’s generation portfolio, especially as the country continues efforts to improve grid reliability and expand electricity access.
The NDPHC boss also commended the Abia State Government for ongoing reforms in the power sector, particularly the establishment of the state electricity regulatory framework and the Aba ring-fenced electricity arrangement.
She noted that the company is exploring partnerships with state governments and eligible customers under the provisions of the Electricity Act, aimed at improving decentralised power supply and encouraging bilateral electricity markets.
“We would love to form a strategic alliance with Abia State considering the fact that you are very driven and determined to secure uninterruptible electricity for the good people of Abia State,” she said.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti welcomed the development, describing the revival of the Alaoji plant as a significant milestone for industrial growth and economic development in the state.
He said the facility could potentially be expanded beyond its current capacity, projecting future growth to 800 megawatts and possibly 1,100 megawatts, depending on funding availability.
Otti reiterated that reliable electricity remains central to his administration’s economic agenda, noting that power infrastructure has been prioritised since he assumed office in 2023.
He also disclosed that the state government has ring-fenced the Umuahia electricity market and signed an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to acquire distribution assets covering Umuahia and surrounding areas.
According to him, the state will require about 100 megawatts to serve the eight local government areas under the ring-fenced arrangement, while additional investments are being made in renewable energy and mini-grid solutions to complement grid supply.
