The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged to collaborate with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to address the funding and other challenges delaying the completion of the 330-kilovolt Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T).
The commitment was made during an inspection of the project site by members of the committee, who also held discussions with host communities, project contractors and officials of the power company.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NDPHC’s Head of Corporate Communication and External Relations, Nazo Agim, said the lawmakers were determined to help remove the obstacles preventing the project’s completion.
According to the statement, the transmission line is expected to enhance the national electricity grid by evacuating power generated in the Niger Delta to consumers, while improving electricity supply to homes, businesses and industries in Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states.
Chairman of the committee, Ademorin Kuye, who led the oversight visit, said the inspection formed part of the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to identify and revive abandoned federal government projects.
Other lawmakers on the delegation included Tunji Akinosi, Jaafaru Yakubu and Patrick Umoh.
Kuye noted that the transmission project was among several key infrastructure projects capable of stimulating economic growth and strengthening electricity supply if completed.
He said many government projects had been left abandoned despite huge public investments, adding that the committee was committed to finding out why such projects stalled and ensuring viable ones were brought back to life.
The lawmaker disclosed that both the NDPHC and the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy, had indicated their readiness to resume work once outstanding issues were resolved.
He described the project as vital to the host communities, Akwa Ibom State and the country’s economy, stressing that its completion would improve electricity infrastructure, support businesses, boost agriculture, enhance security and drive socio-economic development.
Kuye also praised residents of the host communities for safeguarding project materials during the prolonged suspension of work.
He said the committee verified that the equipment, towers, conductors and other materials required to complete the project remained intact, attributing their preservation to the cooperation and commitment of the communities.
The committee chairman further urged the NDPHC to expedite the payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners to enable the contractor to return to the site without further delay.
He assured residents that the National Assembly would work closely with the federal, state and local governments to eliminate the remaining obstacles preventing the project’s completion.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Joseph Udo, said construction had been abandoned for more than six years.
He appealed to the federal government and the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation claims and address other unresolved issues delaying the project.
Udo added that the community had continued to protect the equipment and materials left behind by the contractor because of the expected benefits the project would bring when completed.