By Becky Momodu
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged legislative support to the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to address funding and community-related challenges delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T).
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, made the commitment during an inspection visit to the project site, where lawmakers assessed the level of work completed and held consultations with host community leaders, the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy, and officials of the NDPHC.
Other members of the delegation included Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu and Hon. Patrick Umoh.
Kuye explained that the visit formed part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into abandoned Federal Government assets and projects aimed at ensuring public investments are not wasted.
He noted that the transmission line is among key infrastructure projects identified for revival because of its strategic importance to economic growth and electricity supply.
According to him, both the NDPHC and the contractor have expressed willingness to complete the project once the outstanding challenges are resolved.
The lawmaker described the transmission line as a critical national asset that would enhance electricity infrastructure, improve power supply to businesses and households, support farmers and artisans, strengthen security, and stimulate economic development across Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states.
Kuye also praised members of the host communities for protecting project materials despite the project’s prolonged suspension.
He said the committee confirmed that essential materials, including transmission towers and conductors, remain intact, attributing their preservation to the cooperation and commitment of the communities.
The committee chairman urged the NDPHC to expedite the payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners, stressing that resolving compensation issues would enable the contractor to return to site without further delay.
He assured residents that the National Assembly would work closely with the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government and local authorities to remove all obstacles preventing the project’s completion.
Earlier, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, appealed to the Federal Government and the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation claims and facilitate the contractor’s return to site.
He said the community had safeguarded equipment and other materials left behind for more than six years, expressing optimism that the project would bring significant socio-economic benefits to the area.
When completed, the 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s national grid by evacuating electricity from power plants in the Niger Delta and improving power supply to industries, businesses and households in Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states.