15-Year Blackout to End as NDPHC Launches Power Project in Kaduna Community

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has commenced an electricity infrastructure project aimed at ending a 15-year blackout in Rigasa community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The project comprises a two kilometre 11kV line, a 1.5 kilometre 33kV line and a 7.5MVA, 33/11kV injection substation designed to improve electricity supply to households and businesses.

The project, facilitated by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), reached a milestone on Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony performed by Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani.

Balarabe commended NDPHC for the intervention, describing it as a life saving initiative that would address the community’s longstanding electricity challenges.

Speaking through the Executive Director of Networks, Engr Bello Babayo Bello, NDPHC Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving electricity access across the country.

She explained that although NDPHC’s primary mandate was power generation, the company also intervened in transmission and distribution infrastructure to address critical gaps and extend electricity access.

Adighije described the Rigasa project as a worthwhile investment that would ease residents’ hardship and demonstrate the impact of targeted infrastructure development in underserved communities.

NDPHC Executive Director of Strategy and Commercial, Patrick Obahiagbon, appreciated the Kaduna State Government and community members for their cooperation and support for the project.

The District Head of Rigasa, Hakimi Arc. Mohammed Aminu Idris, also commended NDPHC’s management for its commitment to expanding electricity access in the community.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Senator Shehu Sani, Kaduna Electric Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu, and BAT-IG Convener, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi.

NDPHC General Manager of Distribution, Engr Dahiru Muritala Mohammed, whose department is responsible for the project, was also present.

The company said the project reflects its efforts to extend critical electricity infrastructure beyond generation, address distribution gaps and support socioeconomic development in underserved communities.