…Threaten removal of illegal structures on transmission routes
By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has decried the encroachment on and vandalism of power transmission projects being executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), warning that illegal structures along designated routes threaten investments in the power sector.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kuye Ademorin, stated this after inspection visits to 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.
Other lawmakers on the inspection tour were Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Hon. Sani Rigo and Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu.
The committee observed that churches, hotels, private residences and state government buildings had been erected along designated transmission routes, raising concerns about project delays and the protection of public assets.
Ademorin expressed disappointment that such developments had been allowed despite the Federal Government’s existing rights of way for the transmission projects.
He said the encroachment had undermined efforts to expand electricity infrastructure, improve power supply and stimulate industrial development, while vandalism had further threatened government investments.
“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.
The lawmaker called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to address encroachment, protect public infrastructure and ensure timely completion of ongoing projects.
He also urged the government to prioritise project delivery, ensure contractors received timely payments and provide prompt compensation to landowners to prevent disputes and litigation over acquired land.
NDPHC disclosed that the Owerri substation, which is about 85 per cent complete, would add approximately 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State and significantly improve power supply to the Orlu area.
The project, first awarded in 2006, has received renewed attention under the leadership of NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.
Commending the quality of work at the substation, Ademorin expressed optimism that its expected completion around March 2027 would boost industrial activities across the South-East.
He appealed to the governors of Enugu and Imo states to work with NDPHC to tackle encroachment, safeguard federal assets and accelerate project delivery.
Warning those occupying government land illegally, he said: “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 also advised Nigerians to verify the ownership and status of land before purchasing property to avoid acquiring plots within government-approved rights of way.
According to him, completing the projects would support industrialisation, create jobs, improve security and promote peace.
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