Olusegun Ariyo
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Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to align with Nigeria’s energy development goals under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.Shettima, who is the Chairman of the Board of NDPHC, made the call during the company’s 20th anniversary celebration held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.He implored the management and members of staff of the power firm to remain operationally reliable to play a positive role in the country’s development journey.The Vice-President recalled that the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 marked a defining turning point for Nigeria’s power sector and for NDPHC.He said for the first time, the company now operates within a framework that offers clearer legal authority, greater commercial flexibility, and a stronger institutional footing to compete, partner, and grow within a more open and dynamic electricity market.“The Board views this moment as an opportunity for evolution, an opportunity to transition from an intervention-driven institution into a commercially disciplined and performance-focused enterprise.“The company must also remain faithful to its national mandate,” he added.The Vice-President assured that the board would remain fully committed to its responsibilities to the company.“We will continue to provide strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of governance, and support management in taking sound and accountable decisions“We will also protect shareholders’ value on behalf of the Nigerian people, and keep NDPHC aligned with national energy and development goals.“We recognise that the road ahead will demand discipline, courage, and partnership, and we stand ready for that task,” he added.Shettima noted that the board has already prioritised extracting greater value from existing power sector assets.He explained that a nation’s energy needs are not a technical footnote to its history, but a fundamental dilemma that shapes the rhythm of its economy, the dignity of its people, and the credibility of its future.“Power is the difference between promise and paralysis. It is the quiet force that animates industry, lights homes, and anchors hope.“Any person or institution that steps forward to fill a critical gap in a nation’s search for stability earns a place in its collective memory.“This is one such day – a day to pause, a day to reflect, and a day to celebrate the enduring promise that this institution represents,” he said.Earlier, the Minister of Power, Dr Adebayo Adelabu, commended NDPHC for its successes in the sector, particularly in ensuring relative stability and attracting investments over the years.Adelabu expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deepen partnerships with stakeholders for improved service delivery, noting that it is well-positioned to play a greater role in Nigeria’s power sector.The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the leadership of NDPHC has performed commendably.Ekpo advised management to continue aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda reforms to promote the progress of the energy sector.
