NDPHC Restores 450MW Alaoji Plant to National Grid

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has restored the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State to the national grid after a three-year shutdown caused by gas supply and metering disputes.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, announced the development during a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, where she outlined the company’s efforts to revive the plant.

She said the facility was shut down in 2023 after discrepancies between metering and trading points led TotalEnergies to suspend gas supply to the plant. The shutdown was also worsened by outstanding financial obligations, which further delayed recovery efforts.

According to Adighije, restoring the plant became a priority when she assumed office in 2024. She said the company has now completed remedial works on the defective gas line, settled its outstanding obligations to TotalEnergies and secured the restoration of gas supply to the facility.

She added that extensive electromechanical works were carried out on the plant, leading to the successful restoration of three generating units GT1, GT22 and GT23, which can now dispatch about 375 megawatts to the national grid.

Adighije described the Alaoji plant as a strategic generation asset with adequate transmission infrastructure and no major evacuation constraints. She said the plant could play an important role in strengthening electricity supply across the country.

She also praised the Abia State Government for reforms in the electricity sector, especially the Aba ring-fenced power arrangement and the creation of a state electricity regulatory agency.

According to her, NDPHC is leveraging the Electricity Act and the developing bilateral electricity market to work with states and eligible customers to improve power access nationwide. She said the company would welcome a strategic partnership with Abia State, given the administration’s focus on stable electricity supply.

Governor Otti commended NDPHC for restoring the plant, describing the development as important for industrial growth and economic development in Abia State.

He recalled that the facility had been idle when he last visited it and said he was pleased to see it brought back into operation.

Otti also said the plant could eventually be expanded from its current capacity to 800 megawatts and later to about 1,100 megawatts, depending on funding.

The governor noted that electricity remains one of the most important drivers of development and said his administration has prioritised power infrastructure since taking office in 2023.

He also disclosed that the state had 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.

He said about 100 megawatts would be needed to serve the eight local government areas under the Umuahia ring-fence, while renewable energy and mini-grid projects were also ongoing.

Otti directed the state Commissioner for Power to work with NDPHC on arrangements for wheeling electricity from the Alaoji plant to Umuahia and other parts of Abia State.

After touring the facility, the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Monday Ikechukwu, said the state was ready to partner with NDPHC and begin commercial negotiations. The Acting Chief Operating Officer of the plant, Engr. Emenogu Augustine Uzoma, also said the facility was fully prepared for sustained operations.