The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has pledged the intervention of the state government to facilitate the completion of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) MI along the Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi axis of the state.
Governor Eno made the commitment when he received a delegation from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, at the Government House, Uyo.
The Governor said the intervention would help resolve outstanding challenges delaying the project, particularly the completion of the 330kV transmission line, with a view to improving electricity supply across Akwa Ibom.
He stressed that completing the transmission project would significantly strengthen power supply in the state while contributing to the development of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Earlier, Adighije commended Governor Eno for his willingness to intervene, describing the gesture as “a significant boost to efforts to complete the long-delayed project.”
She disclosed that the non-payment of wayleave compensation to communities affected by the project remained a major obstacle to its completion.
According to her, “the project, which commenced about 20 years ago, had encountered several challenges, particularly those relating to compensation and community concerns.”
Adighije said the delegation was in the state to brief the governor on the challenges and seek government intervention to resolve the outstanding issues and pave the way for completion.
She appealed to the state government to support efforts to resolve the compensation and community-related matters, saying the completion of the project would benefit residents of Akwa Ibom and the country at large.
The NDPHC chief executive also congratulated Governor Eno on the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) and expressed the company’s readiness to collaborate with the state in developing an effective electricity market framework.
The NDPHC delegation included Executive Director, Networks, Bello Bello; Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial, Patrick Obaihiagbon; and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere.
Members of the Governor’s team included Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; Commissioner for Power, Nobong Robson; Vice Chairman of AKSERC, Dr Kalu Ukoha; Commercial, AKSERC, Ubong Etukudoh; and other government officials.
