By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged to work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to resolve funding challenges and outstanding community issues delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T).
The commitment was made during an inspection visit to the project site led by the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, as part of the National Assembly’s ongoing investigation into abandoned Federal Government projects and assets across the country, as contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Nazo Agim, Head, Corporate Communication & External Relations, NDPHC.
The delegation, which included Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu and Hon. Patrick Umoh, assessed the level of work completed and held separate engagements with host community leaders, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, Anita Energy, and officials of the NDPHC.
Speaking after the inspection, Kuye said the committee was determined to ensure that public investments in critical infrastructure are not wasted through prolonged abandonment.
He explained that the Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi transmission line was identified as one of several strategic projects capable of boosting economic activities and improving electricity supply if completed.
According to him, the committee’s investigation revealed that both the NDPHC and the contractor remain committed to completing the project once outstanding funding and community-related issues are resolved.
He described the transmission project as vital to the economic development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, noting that its completion would strengthen electricity infrastructure, stimulate businesses, improve productivity for farmers and artisans, enhance security and support wider socio-economic growth.
Kuye also commended members of the host communities for safeguarding project materials despite the suspension of work for several years.
He noted that the inspection confirmed that transmission towers, conductors and other critical materials required to complete the project remain intact, describing the communities’ commitment as commendable.
The committee chairman, however, urged the NDPHC to expedite payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners to remove obstacles preventing the contractor from returning to site.
He assured residents that the National Assembly would collaborate with the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government and relevant local authorities to address all issues hindering the completion of the project.
Earlier, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, lamented that work on the transmission line had been abandoned for more than six years.
He appealed to the Federal Government and the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation claims and resolve all outstanding issues to enable the contractor to resume work, while reaffirming the community’s commitment to protecting project facilities.
The 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line is expected to significantly strengthen the national grid by evacuating electricity generated from power plants in the Niger Delta and improving power supply to industries, businesses and households across Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states upon completion.
Courtesy Pictures: L-R: Hon. Tunji Akinosi; Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Power, Dr. Friday Ido; Hon. Jaafaru Yakub; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, Hon. Ademorin Kuye; Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo; and Hon. Patrick Umoh during the committee’s inspection visit to the 330kV Double-Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T), being constructed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
