Gov Eno Assures NDPHC Of State Intervention, Support For Completion Of NIPP Transmission Line

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) of the State government’s intervention and support to fast track the completion of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) located along the Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi axis of the state.
Eno who gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the NDPHC, led by its managing director and chief executive officer, Jennifer Adighije, an engineer, at Government House, Uyo, said the intervention was aimed at facilitating the completion of the 330kV transmission line and improving electricity supply across the State.
He noted that the completion of the transmission project would significantly boost power supply in Akwa Ibom and contribute to the development of the nation’s power sector, hence the state’s decision to support its completion.
In her remarks, the MD/CEO of the NDPHC, Adighije, commended Governor Eno for his willingness to intervene in the project, describing the gesture as a significant complement to the development efforts of the administration.
She disclosed that the non-payment of wayleave compensation to members of communities affected by the project had stalled its completion, recalling that the project which commenced about 20 years ago, has faced several challenges, particularly those relating to compensation and community issues.
Adighije, explained that the delegation’s visit was primarily to brief the Governor on the challenges confronting the project and to seek the state government’s intervention to facilitate its completion.
The NDPHC boss also congratulated Governor Eno on the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), expressing the company’s readiness to collaborate with the state in developing an effective electricity market framework.
She appealed to the State government to intervene in the outstanding issues to enable the NDPHC complete the project for the benefit of Akwa Ibom residents and the country at large.
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.