By Gloria Akudoro
Persistent land encroachment and widespread asset vandalism have emerged as major stumbling blocks threatening the timely completion of critical electricity transmission projects managed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets raised the alarm following recent oversight inspection visits to key infrastructure sites, warning that illegal structures erected on federal government Rights-of-Way are actively undermining multi-billion naira public investments in the power sector.
The committee observed that private residences, churches, hotels, and state government structures have encroached on designated transmission corridors, delaying projects designed to boost regional inudustrialisation.
Speaking after accessing the 132kv New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State and the 330/132/133KV Ebgu substation in Owerri, Imo State, Committee Chairman, Hon. Kuye Ademorin, decried the lack of host-community alignment with national development goals.
“We observed the magnitude of investment by the Federal Government in building a sustainable power system for the country, particularly in our states, to help them develop their industrial base through adequate power supply,” Ademorin stated.
“However, to our chagrin and disappointment, we saw a people who are not totally buying into the vision of a greater country for all of us.”
The committee chairman, who expressed concern over the proliferation of buildings along designated transmission routes, questioned how state authorities could approve such developments despite existing Federal Government rights of way.
While calling for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to protect public assets and ensure timely project delivery, Ademorin urged the government to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and ensure contractors received timely payments. He stressed the need for prompt compensation to landowners to prevent disputes and litigation over acquired land.
Ademorin commended the NDPHC for the quality of work at the Owerri substation, expressing optimism that its expected completion around March 2027 would transform industrial activities across the South-East.
He appealed to the governors of Enugu and Imo states to work with NDPHC to address encroachment, protect federal assets and accelerate project delivery.The lawmaker warned that occupying government land illegally, stating that,
“It is not going to be business as usual. We are going to take drastic, appropriate steps to ensure that those structures are removed.”
He advised Nigerians to investigate land ownership and status before purchasing property to avoid acquiring plots within government-approved rights of way.
According to him, completing the projects would support industrialisation, create jobs, improve security and promote peace.
Other lawmakers on the inspection tour were Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Hon. Sani Rigo and Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu.NDPHC disclosed that the Owerri substation, which is about 85 percent complete, would add about 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State and significantly improve supply to the Orlu area.
The project, first awarded in 2006, has received renewed attention under the leadership of NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.
