Reps move to revive abandoned Akwa Ibom power project
July 30, 2026 1:52 pm
File photo: House of Representatives
The National Assembly has pledged to work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to resolve funding constraints and lingering community issues delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project in Akwa Ibom State.
The commitment was made by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets during an inspection of the project site, where lawmakers assessed the level of work completed and held discussions with officials of the NDPHC, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor, Anita Energy, and host community leaders.
The inspection of the project site was led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Kuye, alongside committee members Tunji Akinosi, Jaafaru Yakubu and Patrick Umoh.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Corporate Communication and External Relations at the NDPHC, Nazo Agim.
The committee stated that the long-abandoned transmission line remains a strategic national asset capable of strengthening the electricity grid, improving power supply to industries and households, and driving economic growth in Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states once it is completed.
The committee said the project, abandoned for more than six years despite huge public investment, remains critical to improving electricity supply, strengthening the national grid and stimulating economic activities across Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states.
The statement read, “The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged to work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to resolve funding constraints and lingering community issues delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T). Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, gave the assurance after leading members of the committee on an inspection of the project site, where they assessed the level of work completed and held discussions with community leaders, the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy, and NDPHC officials.”
During the visit, the lawmakers assessed the level of work completed and held discussions with officials of the NDPHC, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor, Anita Energy, as well as traditional rulers and community leaders.
Kuye said the inspection formed part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into abandoned Federal Government assets and projects aimed at ensuring public investments deliver value to Nigerians.
He explained that the transmission project was identified as one of several strategic infrastructure projects capable of boosting electricity supply and economic development if completed.
“In the course of our investigation into government assets and projects, we observed that some have been abandoned over the years despite the huge investments committed to them. We felt those investments should not go to waste, so we decided to identify projects that can be resuscitated and understand what led to their abandonment,” Kuye said.
According to him, both the NDPHC and the contractor expressed willingness to complete the transmission line once the outstanding challenges are resolved.
“We realised that there is an intention on the part of NDPHC to continue with the project. We also found that the contractor is willing to return to site and complete the work. This is a very important project not only for the host communities but also for the economy of the state and the country,” he stated.
Kuye noted that completing the transmission line would improve electricity infrastructure, stimulate commercial activities, support farmers and artisans, enhance security and promote socio-economic development across the region.
The lawmaker also praised residents of the host communities for protecting expensive project materials despite the prolonged suspension of work.
“We were told that the materials needed to complete the project are already on the ground, and we wanted to verify that ourselves. Honestly, I must commend the people of the community for the way they have secured these assets. The wires, towers, and other materials have been protected, which shows a high level of cooperation and commitment to seeing the project completed,” he said.
Kuye, however, urged the NDPHC to expedite payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners, describing it as one of the major conditions for the contractor’s return to the site.
“We want to implore NDPHC that everything necessary should be done, particularly the payment of the outstanding compensation. Some payments have already been made, but the balance should be settled so that the community can allow the contractor to return to the site and complete the project,” he added.
He assured community members that the National Assembly would work with the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government and the relevant local authorities to remove every obstacle preventing the completion of the project.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that this project is completed. We will synergise with the Federal Government, the state government and the local government to ensure this project is delivered for the benefit of the community,” Kuye said.
Earlier, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, lamented that the contractor abandoned the project more than six years ago.
He appealed to the Federal Government and the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation claims and resolve other issues delaying the project.
“We want the contractor to return to site because the project will benefit our people. We have made sure that the equipment and other materials left behind by the contractor are protected,” Udo said.
The 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line is designed to evacuate electricity generated by power plants in the Niger Delta into the national grid.
When completed, the transmission infrastructure is expected to strengthen power evacuation capacity, improve electricity supply to industries and households in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states, and enhance the reliability of the national transmission network.
The project is one of several power infrastructure schemes initiated under the National Integrated Power Projects, implemented by the NDPHC to address transmission bottlenecks and improve electricity delivery across the country. However, funding challenges, unresolved compensation issues and community-related disputes have stalled progress on some of the projects over the years, delaying the realisation of their expected economic and social benefits.
Damilola Aina is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over five years of experience covering energy, business, investment, infrastructure, and property sectors. He specializes in producing well-researched and insightful reports that inform readers and provide clarity on complex topics. Damilola’s work demonstrates practical newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate and engaging journalism.
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