From David Onuoja, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, has threatened to remove all illegal structures erected on Federal Government rights of way for power transmission projects executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), saying encroachment and vandalism are undermining huge investments in the power sector.
The threat was issued by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kuye Ademorin, after an inspection tour of the 132kV New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State and the Egbu 330/132/33kV substation in Owerri, Imo State.
Hon. Ademorin was accompanied on the oversight visit by other members of the committee, which includes Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Hon. Sani Rigo and Hon. Canice Nwachukwu.
The committee expressed their dismay over the level of encroachment on designated transmission routes, observing that churches, hotels, private residences and even buildings belonging to state governments had been erected along the corridors, thereby threatening the timely completion of the projects.
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Speaking on the Owerri substation, NDPHC disclosed that the project, which is currently about 85 per cent complete, would add about 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State and significantly improve power supply to Orlu and other adjoining areas.
The project, first awarded in 2006, had suffered years of delay but has received renewed attention under the leadership of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.
Hon. Ademorin said the committee was concerned about how state authorities could approve buildings on routes that had existing Federal Government rights of way, noting that the development had stalled projects designed to boost electricity supply and drive industrialization.
“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. 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,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to protect public assets, ensure timely delivery of projects, prompt payment of contractors and timely compensation to landowners to prevent disputes and litigations.
While commending NDPHC for the quality of work at the Owerri substation, Ademorin expressed optimism that its expected completion around March 2027 would transform industrial activities across the South-East, just as he warned illegal occupants that it would no longer be business as usual.
“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 said, advising Nigerians to verify land status before purchase while appealing to the governors of Enugu and Imo states to partner with NDPHC to protect federal assets, create jobs and promote peace.
