House of Representatives Committee Commits to Support NDPHC on Ikot Abasi 330 kV Transmission Project

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Goods has committed to working with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to resolve funding constraints and lingering community issues delaying the completion of the abandoned Ikot Ekpene-Ikot Abasi 330kV Double Circuit Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T).

According to a statement released on Thursday by the head of the Corporate Communications and External Relations Section of the NDPHC, Nazo Agim, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, gave the assurance after leading the committee members on an inspection of the project site, where they assessed the level of work completed and held discussions with community leaders, engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy and NDPHC officials.

Other members of the visit committee were the Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu and Hon. Patrick Umoh.

Kuye said the visit is part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into the federal government’s abandoned assets and projects to ensure public investments are not wasted.

He explained that the transmission line has been identified as one of several critical infrastructure projects that could be revived to support economic growth and improve electricity supply.

“In the course of our investigation of government assets and projects, we observed that some have been abandoned over the years, despite huge investments put into them. We felt that such investments should not go to waste, so we decided to identify projects that can be resurrected and understand what led to their abandonment,” he said.

According to him, both the NDPHC and the contractor have expressed willingness to complete the project once the outstanding challenges are addressed.

“We have learned that there is an intent on the part of NDPHC to continue with the project. We have also learned that the contractor is willing to return to the site and complete the work. This is a very important project not only for the host communities but also for the economy of the state and the country.”

Kuye said the completion of the project would improve electricity infrastructure, boost businesses, support farmers and artisans, improve security and boost socio-economic development in Akwa Ibom State and adjoining areas.

He also praised members of the host communities for safeguarding the project materials despite the prolonged suspension of work.

“We were told that the materials needed to complete the project are already on the ground and we wanted to see for ourselves. Honestly, I have to commend the people in the community for the way they secured these resources. The cables, towers and other materials were secured, which demonstrates a high level of cooperation and commitment in completing the project.”

The lawmaker urged the NDPHC to expedite the payment of outstanding compensation to the affected landowners to pave the way for the contractor’s return to the site.

“We want to implore the NDPHC that everything necessary be done, especially the payment of the outstanding compensation. Some payments have already been made, but the balance should be settled so that the community can allow the contractor to return to the site and complete the project.”

Addressing members of the community, Kuye assured that the National Assembly would collaborate with the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State Government and local authorities to remove all obstacles delaying the project.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure this project is completed. We will work with the federal government, state government and local government to ensure this project is done for the benefit of the community.”

Earlier, the village head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, lamented that the contractor abandoned the project more than six years ago.

He appealed to the federal government and the NDPHC to resolve pending compensation claims and address other issues impeding the completion of the project.

“We want the contractor back on site because the project will benefit our staff. We have made sure that the equipment and other materials left behind by the contractor are protected.”

When completed, the 330 kV double circuit Ikot Ekpene-Ikot Abasi transmission line is expected to strengthen the national grid by evacuating electricity from power plants in the Niger Delta and improving power supply to industries and households in Akwa Ibom and neighboring states.