The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged to work closely with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to address the funding challenges and unresolved host community issues delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project in Akwa Ibom State.
The assurance was given during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the project site, where lawmakers assessed the level of work completed and engaged with officials of the NDPHC, representatives of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, Anita Energy, as well as leaders of the host communities.
The inspection team was led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, and included committee members Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu and Hon. Patrick Umoh.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Corporate Communication and External Relations of the NDPHC, Nazo Agim, the visit formed part of the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities aimed at identifying obstacles hindering the completion of critical public infrastructure projects across the country.
Speaking during the inspection, the lawmakers described the transmission line as a strategic national asset whose completion would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.
They noted that the project would improve the stability of power supply to industries, businesses and residential consumers in Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states, while also boosting economic growth and attracting investment.
The committee expressed concern over the prolonged abandonment of the project despite the huge public resources already committed to its execution. Members stressed the need for urgent intervention to ensure that the project does not remain a wasted national investment.
The lawmakers assured the NDPHC of the National Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to resolve the financial constraints affecting the project. They also pledged to facilitate dialogue with host communities to address outstanding grievances that may be impeding construction activities.
Officials of the NDPHC informed the committee that inadequate funding and unresolved community-related issues had slowed the pace of work, preventing the completion of the transmission line. They appealed for legislative support to secure the necessary funding and create an enabling environment for contractors to return to site.
Representatives of Anita Energy, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor handling the project, also briefed the committee on the current status of the work and highlighted the challenges encountered in executing the project.
Host community leaders, who participated in the meeting, reiterated their commitment to supporting the successful completion of the transmission line but urged the authorities to address issues relating to community engagement and other outstanding concerns.
The House Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the project is completed, emphasizing that restoring the transmission line to full operation would enhance electricity evacuation capacity, improve the reliability of power supply and contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic and industrial development objectives
About Author
