Nigeria’s power sector oversight intensified on Wednesday as the House of Representatives directed the contractor handling the upgrade of the Alaoji Power Plant to provide daily progress reports on the project.
The directive came during an oversight visit by members of the House Committee on Power, who inspected ongoing work aimed at converting the power facility from an open-cycle system to a more efficient combined-cycle operation.
Lawmakers said the decision to require daily updates is part of efforts to strengthen accountability, ensure transparency, and prevent delays in a project considered crucial to Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity.
Reps order daily updates on Alaoji power plant upgrade
During the inspection, the committee emphasised the importance of maintaining strict monitoring mechanisms throughout the duration of the upgrade.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Victor Nwokolo, who led the delegation, said the contractor must submit detailed daily reports to the management of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to ensure steady progress.
According to him, the reports would enable the authorities to track the pace of work, address operational challenges quickly, and prevent unnecessary setbacks that could prolong the completion timeline.
Nwokolo explained that the National Assembly was determined to ensure that major infrastructure projects in the electricity sector deliver the expected benefits to Nigerians.
“We expect daily progress updates so that the management and relevant authorities can properly monitor the work being carried out at the site,” he said.
“This approach will help ensure transparency, accountability, and timely completion of the project.”
The lawmakers toured different sections of the power plant and received detailed briefings from the project managers and officials of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company regarding the current stage of the upgrade.
The committee noted that consistent reporting would allow stakeholders to identify technical challenges early and develop solutions before they escalate into major obstacles.
Members of the oversight panel stressed that completing the project on schedule would play a key role in improving electricity supply across the country.
Nigeria has struggled with persistent power shortages for decades, with many households and businesses relying heavily on generators due to inconsistent electricity supply from the national grid.
Upgrade expected to boost electricity generation
Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Jennifer Adighije, assured the lawmakers that the company remained committed to ensuring the successful delivery of the project.
She explained that converting the Alaoji Power Plant to a combined-cycle system would significantly improve the plant’s operational efficiency.
In a combined-cycle configuration, waste heat produced by gas turbines is captured and used to power steam turbines, allowing the facility to generate additional electricity without consuming extra fuel.
Adighije noted that the process would increase the plant’s power output while also improving fuel efficiency and reducing energy waste.
“The combined-cycle upgrade will optimise gas utilisation and allow us to generate additional electricity from the same resources,” she said.
“This will ultimately contribute more power to the national grid and strengthen electricity supply across the country.”
She added that the NDPHC would continue to provide technical support and operational coordination to the engineering, procurement, and construction contractors responsible for executing the upgrade.
Strategic importance of the Alaoji power project
The Alaoji Power Plant is one of the major generation facilities developed under the National Integrated Power Project, a Federal Government initiative designed to boost electricity generation and improve transmission infrastructure nationwide.
Over the years, the NIPP has played a significant role in expanding Nigeria’s power generation capacity through the construction of several gas-fired power plants across different regions.
Industry experts believe that upgrading existing facilities to combined-cycle operations is one of the most effective ways to increase electricity output without building entirely new power stations.
The House Committee on Power acknowledged the strategic importance of the Alaoji facility and stressed that the project must be executed with diligence and efficiency.
Lawmakers said reliable electricity supply remains critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, industrial development, and overall improvement in the standard of living.
Businesses across the country continue to face high operating costs due to dependence on alternative power sources, particularly diesel and petrol generators.
By boosting electricity generation through projects like the Alaoji upgrade, the government hopes to ease pressure on businesses and stimulate economic productivity.
Following the inspection, members of the committee expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by the NDPHC management and the level of progress already recorded.
However, they maintained that continuous monitoring would be necessary to ensure the project remains on track.
The lawmakers also reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and improve power supply for citizens and industries alike.
Once fully converted to combined-cycle operations, the Alaoji Power Plant is expected to produce additional megawatts of electricity, helping to stabilise power supply and enhance energy efficiency within Nigeria’s power generation system.
