L-R: Vice-Chancellor University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola during the Chief Executive Officer/MD, NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije courtesy visit to Ogunsola in her office recently.
…NDPHC CEO Jennifer Adighije says reliable electricity is essential for industrialisation, investment, job creation and Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, has called for the optimisation of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, describing reliable and affordable power supply as a critical foundation for industrialisation, investment and sustainable economic growth.
Adighije made the call on Wednesday while delivering the Distinguished Alumni Lecture organised by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The lecture, titled “Optimising Electricity for Powering Nigeria’s New Socio-Economic Frontiers,” was held at the Engineering Lecture Theatre and brought together academics, engineering students, industry professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Electricity as a driver of economic development
Adighije said Nigeria’s power sector is at a pivotal stage, with ongoing reforms creating opportunities to improve electricity access, attract private investment and strengthen service delivery.
She described electricity as the “currency of development” in the modern global economy, arguing that countries with reliable and affordable power are better positioned to attract investment, create jobs and accelerate industrialisation.
According to her, dependable electricity also has significant implications for healthcare, education, digital services and the broader quality of life of citizens.
“Electricity has become the currency of development in today’s global economy,” Adighije said, stressing the need for Nigeria to move beyond expanding generation capacity to ensuring that existing electricity infrastructure is used more efficiently.
Electricity Act 2023 opens new investment opportunities
The NDPHC chief highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a major structural reform in Nigeria’s power industry.
She said the legislation, which gives states greater authority to establish and regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions, has created new opportunities for investment, innovation and competition across the electricity value chain.
“The legislation has created unprecedented opportunities for investment, innovation, competition and improved service delivery while accelerating the emergence of vibrant sub-national electricity markets capable of attracting greater private-sector participation,” she said.
The development of state-level electricity markets could, she noted, support more targeted investment in generation, distribution and other power infrastructure while enabling solutions tailored to local economic conditions.
NDPHC targets greater value from power assets
Adighije said NDPHC is repositioning the company to maximise the economic value of its electricity assets through improved operational efficiency, stronger corporate governance and strategic partnerships.
She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) through more efficient asset management and infrastructure optimisation.
The approach, she said, is aimed at ensuring that investments in electricity infrastructure translate into measurable improvements for households, businesses and industries.
For Nigeria’s private sector, more efficient utilisation of existing power infrastructure could help reduce energy costs, improve productivity and strengthen the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
AI, battery storage and smart grids to shape Nigeria’s power future
Looking ahead, Adighije said Nigeria’s next generation of engineers would have a critical role in modernising the country’s electricity system.
She identified artificial intelligence, automation, battery energy storage, smart metering and advanced power electronics among the technologies expected to shape the future of electricity delivery.
According to her, the convergence of these technologies could enable Nigeria to develop smarter and more responsive electricity networks while improving efficiency and supporting the integration of cleaner energy sources.
She urged engineering students to embrace continuous learning and professional discipline, while viewing engineering as a vocation focused on solving societal problems and developing infrastructure that supports economic growth.
UNILAG urges stronger academia-industry collaboration
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the lecture as a celebration of excellence, collaboration and the enduring contribution of UNILAG alumni to national development.
Ogunsola commended Adighije as one of the university’s distinguished alumni, saying her professional achievements demonstrate the institution’s commitment to producing graduates with technical competence, integrity and visionary leadership.
She also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between universities, government and industry as technological change accelerates.
Ogunsola said developments associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution have made such partnerships increasingly important for ensuring that academic knowledge is translated into practical solutions.
“Through initiatives such as this, we create platforms where experience meets aspiration and where our students are inspired by those who have successfully translated knowledge into impactful service,” she said.
Nigeria’s power sector enters a new phase
The lecture comes amid continuing efforts to reform Nigeria’s electricity market, improve infrastructure and attract additional private-sector capital into the sector.
Adighije said Nigeria’s electricity industry is entering a new era defined by reform, innovation, collaboration and investment, with infrastructure optimisation becoming increasingly important to the country’s economic ambitions.
She argued that the objective should extend beyond generating more electricity to ensuring that power produced is efficiently transmitted, distributed and ultimately delivered to homes, businesses and industries.
For Africa’s largest economy, she said, optimising the electricity value chain will be central to unlocking its wider socio-economic potential.