By Stella Odueme
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (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, facilitated by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), comprises a two-kilometre 11kV line, a 1.5-kilometre 33kV line and a 7.5MVA, 33/11kV injection substation to improve electricity distribution and boost power supply to residents and businesses.
The project reached a major milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony performed by Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani.
According to a statement by the NDPHC General Manager, Corporate Communication and External Relations, Nazo Agim, on Saturday, Balarabe commended NDPHC for the intervention, describing it as a life-saving initiative that would address the community's longstanding electricity challenges.
Speaking at the event, NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, reaffirmed the company's commitment to improving electricity access across the country.
Adighije, who was represented by the Executive Director, Networks, Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, said the intervention aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of improving electricity supply nationwide.
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 expand electricity access.
According to her, the Rigasa project represents a worthwhile investment that would ease residents' hardship and demonstrate the impact of targeted infrastructure development in underserved communities.
In his vote of thanks, NDPHC Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, appreciated the Kaduna State Government and the community 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, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, and BAT-IG Convener, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi, alongside government officials, industry stakeholders and community representatives.
NDPHC General Manager, Distribution, Engr. Dahiru Muritala Mohammed, whose department is responsible for the project, was also present.
The company said the project underscored its commitment to extending critical electricity infrastructure beyond generation to bridge distribution gaps, stimulate socioeconomic development and improve the quality of life in underserved communities across Nigeria.