By Chukwuemeka Nnadi
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has announced the restoration of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, following a three-year shutdown caused by gas supply disruptions, metering disputes, and mounting debts.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, disclosed the development during a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, where she briefed the government on efforts undertaken to revive the facility.
Background to the Shutdown
According to NDPHC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Emmanuel Ojor, the plant was shut down in 2023 after disputes over gas metering and trading points led TotalEnergies to suspend gas supply. The shutdown also resulted in significant financial obligations owed to the supplier, worsening operational challenges.
The Alaoji Power Plant, conceived under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, was designed as a gas-fired facility due to its proximity to Niger Delta reserves. Despite its potential, the plant has faced recurring shutdowns linked to pipeline vandalism, commercial disputes, and inconsistent gas supply.
Restoration Efforts
Adighije, an indigene of Abia State, said reviving the plant became a top priority after she assumed office in 2024.
“We have carried out remedial works on the defective gas line, defrayed our past obligations to Total, and restored gas supply to the plant,” she explained.
She added that major electromechanical works had been completed, restoring three generating units—GT1, GT22, and GT23—capable of dispatching about 375 megawatts to the national grid.
“The plant is now positioned to contribute meaningfully to grid stability and improved electricity supply,” Adighije said.
State Government’s Response
Governor Otti described the revival as a major boost for industrialisation and economic growth in Abia.
“The last time I visited the Alaoji plant, it was regrettable that such capacity was wasting away. I’m glad to learn that you have brought it back to life,” he said.
Otti noted that the plant has the potential to expand beyond its current installed capacity, with projections of up to 800MW and eventually 1,100MW, depending on funding. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising power infrastructure, citing the Umuahia ring-fenced electricity market and agreements with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to acquire distribution assets.
Strategic Partnerships Ahead
Adighije commended Abia’s electricity reforms and expressed interest in forming a strategic alliance with the state government under the evolving electricity market framework of the Electricity Act.
The Abia State Commissioner for Power, Monday Ikechukwu, assured NDPHC of the government’s readiness to commence commercial negotiations to wheel electricity from Alaoji to Umuahia and other parts of the state.
Meanwhile, Acting Chief Operating Officer of the plant, Emenogu Uzoma, confirmed that the facility was fully prepared for operations following restoration works.
National Impact
Nigeria continues to grapple with inadequate electricity supply due to gas shortages, weak transmission infrastructure, vandalism, and liquidity crises. The revival of the Alaoji plant is expected to play a critical role in stabilising the grid and supporting the country’s transition toward a decentralised electricity market, where states and industrial consumers procure power directly from generation companies.