By Salisu Sani-Idris
Abuja, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN) – In a pivotal address marking the Niger Delta Power Holding Company’s (NDPHC) 20th anniversary, Vice-President Kashim Shettima issued a clear directive for the state-owned power firm to fully synchronize its operations with Nigeria’s national energy development objectives. Speaking as Chairman of the NDPHC Board at the celebration held at the Presidential Villa, Shettima framed this alignment as central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the nation’s broader economic future.
The Vice-President’s charge goes beyond mere rhetoric; it signals a strategic inflection point for an institution originally conceived as an interventionist vehicle. Shettima implored the company’s management and staff to prioritize operational reliability, positioning NDPHC not just as a power generator, but as a critical enabler of national development. “Power is the difference between promise and paralysis,” he stated, emphasizing that energy access fundamentally shapes economic rhythm, human dignity, and national credibility.
The Electricity Act 2023: A New Commercial Mandate
A cornerstone of Shettima’s address was the reference to the Electricity Act 2023, which he described as a “defining turning point.” This legislation fundamentally restructures Nigeria’s power sector by decentralizing authority and encouraging competition. For NDPHC, this means a transition from its previous role. The Act provides the company with:
- Clearer Legal Authority: Eliminating ambiguities in its operational mandate.
- Greater Commercial Flexibility: Allowing it to enter partnerships, compete in markets, and innovate beyond a purely government-driven model.
- Stronger Institutional Footing: Formalizing its place within a more open and dynamic electricity market.
“The Board views this moment as an opportunity for evolution,” Shettima explained, “an opportunity to transition from an intervention-driven institution into a commercially disciplined and performance-focused enterprise.” This shift is crucial for attracting private investment and improving efficiency, even as the company must “remain faithful to its national mandate.”
Strategic Priorities and Governance Commitments
Outlining the path forward, Shettima assured that the Board would provide robust governance and strategic direction. Key priorities include:
- Extracting Greater Value from Existing Assets: This implies optimizing the output and efficiency of NDPHC’s current power plants and infrastructure, which have historically faced challenges like gas supply shortages and grid constraints.
- Upholding Governance Standards: The Board committed to supporting management in making sound, accountable decisions to protect shareholder value—the Nigerian public.
- Fostering Partnerships: Recognizing that the road ahead “will demand discipline, courage, and partnership,” aligning with later remarks from the Minister of Power on deepening stakeholder collaboration.
[[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]
Ministerial Endorsements and the Road Ahead
The anniversary event also featured supportive statements from key cabinet members, underscoring NDPHC’s cross-sectoral importance. The Minister of Power, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu, commended the company for its role in ensuring relative stability and attracting investment. His confidence in NDPHC’s ability to play a greater role suggests an expectation for the company to be a leader in implementing the new market reforms.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, advised continued alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s reforms. This highlights the critical need for synergy between gas supply (a primary fuel for NDPHC’s plants) and power generation, a link essential for turning policy into reliable electricity.
Conclusion: From Celebration to Crucible
While a 20th anniversary is a moment for reflection and celebration, Shettima’s address framed it as a launchpad for a more demanding commercial era. The directive to align with national goals, powered by the framework of the Electricity Act 2023, sets a clear challenge for NDPHC: to balance its public service mandate with the commercial discipline required to thrive in a competitive market. Its success or failure in this evolution will be a significant indicator of Nigeria’s broader progress in overcoming its enduring power sector dilemmas.
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
