The federal government has vowed to step up efforts towards the completion of the Egbema Power Plant in Imo State.
During the power plant inspection on the weekend, the minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu also assured the readiness while praising the state governor, Hope Uzodinma for his commitment on working together with NDPHC in addressing the completion of the strategic power infrastructure projects.
The Minister was accompanied by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Chiedu Ugbo and applauded President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the 2023 Electricity Act that gave the States the power to contribute in the sector.
He also appreciated the state governor for his support to the NDPHC on the speed-up construction of the Egbema power plant and other related transmission projects which are critical in enhancing electricity supply not only in Imo state but across the country.
Similarly, the Governor Uzodinma vowed to work closely with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) that will lead the actualization of the remaining portions of the plant with a view to boosting electricity supply in the state.
The aim is to complete the 378.3 MW Egbema Power Plant, as well as the 330/33kV switchyard, the Omoku-Egbema-Owerri-Alaoji 330kV DC transmission lines projects and the Owerri transmission substation expansion project.
It is important to note that these projects are ongoing, with some at different developmental stages. Despite the great advancement with the power plant construction at 70 percent now, there are challenges that are encountered in the transmission projects such as those based on way leave and funding.
This was disclosed yesterday by governor Uzodinma while being in a meeting session with the minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu at the Government House Owerri.
Speaking to newsmen after and after inspecting the power plant in Egbema accompanied by the NDPHC managing director Chiedu Ugbo the minister applauded the efforts of Governor Uzodinma for the commitment in his support towards NDPHC due to its efforts to complete this significant power infrastructure.
This he said, was due to the provision made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who signed the 2023 Electricity Act to permit states to be involved in the electricity sector.
Essentially, all these projects are still in development, and are at different levels of advancement. For the power plant, construction has reached 70 per cent completion while transmission projects face various challenges such as those concerning way leave and funding.
Governor Uzodinma made this acknowledgement known during a meeting with the minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu in the Government House in Owerri.
The minister, who accompanied the managing director of NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo on a tour of the power plant in Egbema stated that Governor Uzodinma has started very well in his support for NDPHC aimed at ensuring the timely realization of these essential power infrastructure projects.
The minister applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing the 2023 Electricity Act, which permits states to instance in the generation and distribution of power.
Adelabu also appreciated Governor Uzodinma’s diligent effort in arranging NDPHC’s support towards completing Egbema power plant and other related power transmission projects to ensure increased supply of electricity not only within Imo State but throughout Nigeria.
The proposed partnership between the Imo State government and NDPHC entails improving the availability of electricity and consequently energizing homes and businesses within the state, which is why completing the Egbema Power Plant and the related transmission facilities is critical to this undertaking.
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, a Federal Government, States as well as 774 local government councils Nigeria entity is ready and willing to enhance the electricity situation in Imo State together with the support of the State Government and relevant stakeholders so that it can positively impact the nation’s economy.
