The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has threatened to remove illegal structures built on federal government rights-of-way for power transmission projects being executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
The committee said encroachment and vandalism are undermining power-sector investments and delaying projects designed to improve electricity supply and stimulate industrial development.
General Manager, Corporate Communication and External Relations, NDPHC, Nazo Agim, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The statement said the Chairman of the committee, Kuye Ademorin, issued the warning after inspection visits to the 132kV New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State and the Egbu 330/132/33kV substation in Owerri, Imo State.
The committee observed that churches, hotels, private residences and state government buildings had been erected along the designated transmission routes, threatening the timely completion of the projects.
Mr Ademorin expressed concern over the proliferation of buildings along the routes, questioning how state authorities could approve such developments despite existing federal government rights-of-way.
“We observed the magnitude of investment by the Federal Government in building a sustainable power system for the country, particularly in our states, to help them develop their industrial base through adequate power supply,” he said.
“However, to our chagrin and disappointment, we saw people who are not totally buying into the vision of a greater country for all of us.”
He said the encroachment had delayed projects designed to improve electricity supply and stimulate industrial development, while vandalism had further undermined public investments.
Warning those occupying government land illegally, he said: “It is not going to be business as usual. We are going to take drastic, appropriate steps to ensure that those structures are removed.”
He advised Nigerians to investigate land ownership and status before purchasing property to avoid acquiring plots within government-approved rights of way.
Owerri substation 85% complete
The NDPHC added that the Owerri substation, which is about 85 per cent complete, would add about 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State and significantly improve supply to the Orlu area.
The project, first awarded in 2006, has received renewed attention under the leadership of NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije.
Mr Ademorin commended the NDPHC for the quality of work at the Owerri substation, expressing optimism that its expected completion around March 2027 would transform industrial activities across the South-East.
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He also urged the government to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and ensure contractors receive timely payments. He stressed the need for prompt compensation to landowners to prevent disputes and litigation over acquired land.
Call for collaboration
The lawmaker called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to protect public assets and ensure timely project delivery.
He appealed to the governors of Enugu and Imo states to work with NDPHC to address encroachment, protect federal assets and accelerate project delivery.
According to him, completing the projects would support industrialisation, create jobs, improve security and promote peace.
Other lawmakers on the inspection tour were Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Hon. Sani Rigo and Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu.
