PRESS RELEASE

The Accountability and Policy Monitoring Group wishes to firmly address and debunk the recent allegations levelled against the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, particularly claims of reckless spending and inappropriate use of private jets.

Since the assumption of office, Engr. Adighije has demonstrated exceptional leadership and prudence. Assertions that she has been spending recklessly or routinely chartering private jets are entirely false. The reports claiming that ₦900 million was approved for are entirely false. This figure is neither real nor approved.

ON THE PRIVATE JET ALLEGATION

The allegation that the MD uses private jets for personal comfort is baseless. Two staff members of the BAT Ideological Group encountered the MD on October 28 on board an Air Peace commercial flight, the first flight of the day at 6:30am to Abuja. It is rare to see someone in her position opt for commercial flights, yet she consistently does so a clear demonstration of her commitment to financial prudence and modesty.

On very rare occasions, and only when strictly necessary, chartered or private flights have been used solely to meet time-sensitive official engagements where commercial flight schedules make it impossible to discharge her responsibilities effectively. This does not in any way reflect wasteful spending.

These false narratives are being sponsored by individuals displeased with her insistence on accountability and her refusal to allow financial leakages. Engr. Jennifer Adighije is doing an outstanding job and should be allowed to continue her good work.

HER ACHIEVEMENTS IN ONE YEAR

Under her leadership, NDPHC has recorded several commendable achievements:

1. Asset Recovery: Recovered 110 containers worth over USD 5 million, containing critical turbine and HRSG parts abandoned at Onne Port for more than nine years.

2. Recouping Investments: Engaged NERC in advanced discussions to recover NDPHC’s investments in TCN’s transmission grid expansion.

3. Plant Asset Restoration: Restored six gas turbines across the NIPP fleet—Calabar GT4, Omotosho II GT1, Benin GT1 & GT2, and Alaoji GT3 & GT4—adding approximately 750MW to national generation capacity.

4. Debt Recovery: Recovered over USD 10 million in legacy debts from bilateral customers.

5. Enhanced Procurement: Established a price-benchmarking desk to ensure full compliance with the Public Procurement Act (2007).

6. Leveraging Technology: Introduced Computer-Based Tests (CBT) to promote transparency, merit, equity, and fairness in staff promotion processes.

7. Staff Welfare: Introduced a management support allowance to cushion the impact of subsidy removal across all staff cadres.

8. Capital Project Completion:

Completed 1×7.5MVA 33/11kV injection substation with 3km line at Borno State University, Maiduguri.

Completed 1×7.5MVA 33/11kV injection substation with 1km line and eight 330kV transformers in Orogun, Delta State.

Completed 1×15MVA 33/11kV injection substation with 1km 33kV line, 5km LT line, and 3×500KVA transformers at the College of Agriculture, Maiduguri.

Completed the Afam–Ikot Ekpene Double-Circuit Transmission Line and Afam 330kV Line Bay Extension.

9. Major Projects: Commenced connection of the Agbara Industrial Estate under the Light Up Nigeria project.

10. Renewable Energy: Began site acquisition for a 10MW embedded solar generation solution for an industrial cluster in Kano.

11. Plant Restoration: Started restoring the 225MW Gbarain NIPP plant, dormant since 2020.

12. Bilateral Transactions: Unlocked about 500MW through power purchase agreements awaiting NERC approval.

13. Technical Upgrades: Engaged Siemens to conduct extended inspections at Geregu NIPP, successfully completed to extend plant lifespan.

14. Insurance Claim Secured: Recovered USD 15 million in insurance claims for the Alaoji plant fire incident.

15. Dispute Resolution: Resolved long-standing issues with Accugas, leading to a mutually agreed amendment of the Gas Supply Agreement, reducing government’s exposure.

16. Community Impact: The MD has initiated the long-awaited intervention to restore electricity to the Rigasa community in Igabi LGA, Kaduna, which has been without power for seven years.

As an organisation committed to transparency and good governance, the Accountability and Policy Monitoring Group urges all media platforms to adhere strictly to the principles of factual reporting, verification, and fairness. Journalism plays a vital role in strengthening public institutions, and accuracy must never be sacrificed for sensational headlines.

We encourage media outlets to seek clarification from relevant authorities before publishing claims that could mislead the public or damage the reputation of dedicated public servants. Our doors remain open to all journalists who value truth, balance, and professional integrity.

The Accountability and Policy Monitoring Group will continue to monitor developments and defend leaders who demonstrate accountability, prudence, and measurable results in public service.

Signed

Suurnen Rachel Akper

PR officer for Accountability and Policy Monitoring monitoring