Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has pledged the state government’s support towards resolving challenges delaying the completion of the National Integrated Power Project along the Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi axis of the state.
Eno made the commitment on Tuesday when a delegation of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria (NDPHC), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije, visited him at the Government House in Uyo.
The governor said completing the project would help improve electricity supply in Akwa Ibom while supporting industrial and economic development.
According to Eno, the completion of the transmission infrastructure is important to the state’s industrialisation plans and efforts to provide more stable electricity for residents and businesses.
“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,” the governor said.
He explained that the state’s intervention would focus on facilitating the completion of the 330kV transmission line and addressing outstanding matters that have affected the project.
The NDPHC delegation said unresolved compensation issues involving communities affected by the project had contributed significantly to the delay.
Adighije disclosed that some members of host communities had not received their wayleave compensation, preventing the project from reaching completion.
She noted that the project began approximately two decades ago but had encountered several challenges over the years, particularly those relating to compensation for affected communities.
“This project which commenced about 20 years ago has faced several challenges, particularly those relating to compensation with host community,” Adighije said.
The NDPHC chief executive said the delegation visited the governor primarily to brief him on the obstacles confronting the project and seek government assistance in resolving them.
She commended Eno for his willingness to intervene, describing the proposed support as an important boost to the administration’s development agenda.
“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,” she said.
The company appealed to the state government to help resolve the outstanding issues so that construction and other activities can proceed towards completion.
The completion of the transmission project is expected to strengthen electricity supply across Akwa Ibom and provide additional infrastructure for the state’s growing industrial and commercial activities.
Governor Eno said the state remained interested in ensuring that projects capable of supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life of residents were completed.
The intervention is therefore expected to facilitate discussions between the NDPHC and affected communities over the outstanding compensation matters.
During the meeting, Adighije also congratulated Governor Eno on the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
She said the NDPHC was prepared to work with the state government to develop an effective electricity market framework.
According to her, stronger collaboration between the company and the state could support better regulation and distribution of electricity across Akwa Ibom.
READ MORE: Army Reshuffles Top Leadership, Appoints New Theatre Commander
The NDPHC boss reiterated the company’s willingness to collaborate with the state government on initiatives aimed at strengthening the electricity market.
She said an effective regulatory framework would be important as Akwa Ibom continues to develop its electricity sector.
The company also urged the state government to intervene in the unresolved issues surrounding the transmission project so that the infrastructure can be completed for the benefit of residents and the wider Nigerian power sector.
Governor Umo Eno’s pledge to intervene in the challenges delaying the NDPHC power project could help unlock the completion of the long-running 330kV transmission line along the Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi axis.
With compensation disputes identified as a major obstacle, collaboration between the Akwa Ibom Government, NDPHC and affected communities will be crucial to moving the project towards completion.