The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has announced the restoration of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State after 36 months of shutdown caused by gas supply disruptions, metering disputes, and outstanding debts.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, disclosed this during a meeting with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, where she confirmed that major rehabilitation works had been completed at the facility.

According to a statement by NDPHC, the plant was shut down in 2023 following gas metering disagreements and unpaid obligations that led gas supplier TotalEnergies to suspend supply.

“The good news is that we have carried out and fixed all the remedial works on the defective gas line… and Total has restored gas supply to the plant,” Adighije said.

She added that three generating units, GT1, GT22, and GT23, had been successfully restored and were now capable of producing about 375 megawatts for the national grid.

Adighije noted that the plant had also undergone extensive electromechanical repairs and was now positioned to contribute meaningfully to grid stability and electricity supply in the South-East.

“We have completed extensive electromechanical restoration works on the generating units,” she said.

She further disclosed that the facility had no major evacuation constraints due to existing transmission infrastructure, making it a key asset for power delivery.

Governor Alex Otti described the revival of the plant as a significant step toward industrialisation and improved economic activity in Abia State.

“I’m glad to learn that you have brought it back to life,” he said, noting that the plant could eventually scale up beyond its current capacity.

Otti also revealed that the state government was working on electricity market reforms, including ring-fencing the Umuahia power zone and engaging distribution companies to improve supply reliability.

He added that Abia would require about 100 megawatts to serve the Umuahia axis alone and was also investing in renewable energy and mini-grid systems.

The governor directed the state Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to begin discussions with NDPHC on how to transmit electricity from the plant to parts of the state.

Nigeria’s power sector has continued to struggle with gas shortages, weak transmission infrastructure, vandalism, and liquidity challenges, making the revival of the Alaoji plant a key development for grid stability and regional supply improvement.