The Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, has called for optimisation of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure to accelerate socio-economic development. 

Ms Adighije made the call on Sunday during the distinguished alumni lecture organised by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG). 

The lecture, titled ‘Optimising Electricity for Powering Nigeria’s New Socio-Economic Frontiers,’ was held at the institution’s engineering lecture theatre. 

She said reliable electricity remained critical to industrialisation, investment attraction, job creation and sustainable economic growth across the country. 

Describing the occasion as an honour and homecoming, Ms Adighije thanked UNILAG for providing the academic foundation that shaped her career and leadership journey. 

She said the lecture theme was timely, considering ongoing reforms aimed at expanding electricity access, attracting investment and improving service delivery nationwide. 

According to her, electricity has become the currency of development in the global economy, influencing competitiveness and economic transformation. 

“Countries with reliable and affordable power are better positioned to create jobs, attract investment, drive industrialisation and strengthen healthcare and education,” she said. 

Ms Adighije identified the Electricity Act 2023 as a landmark reform, noting that it empowers states to establish and regulate their electricity markets. 

“The legislation has created unprecedented opportunities for investment, innovation, competition and improved service delivery,” she said. 

She added that the law was accelerating the emergence of vibrant sub-national electricity markets capable of attracting increased private-sector participation. 

The NDPHC chief executive said the company was repositioning itself to maximise asset value through operational efficiency, improved governance and strategic partnerships. 

She reaffirmed the NDPHC’s commitment to supporting the transformation of Nigeria’s electricity supply industry through efficient asset management and infrastructure optimisation.

Looking ahead, Ms Adighije expressed confidence in the next generation of engineers to drive innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. 

She said technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, battery storage, smart metering and advanced power electronics would shape future electricity systems. 

Ms Adighije urged engineering students to embrace continuous learning, professionalism and discipline throughout their careers. 

“Engineering should be viewed as a vocation dedicated to solving societal challenges and building infrastructure that supports economic growth,” she said. 

She said Nigeria’s electricity sector was entering a new era characterised by reform, innovation, collaboration and increased investment. 

According to her, optimising the electricity system is essential for powering homes, industries and businesses while unlocking the nation’s economic potential. 

In her remarks, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the lecture as a celebration of excellence, collaboration and institutional legacy. 

She praised Ms Adighije as a distinguished alumna whose achievements reflected the university’s commitment to producing competent and visionary leaders. 

She noted that rapid technological changes associated with the fourth industrial revolution required stronger partnerships among academia, industry and government. 

“Through initiatives such as this, we create platforms where experience meets aspiration and where students are inspired by impactful service,” she said. 

The lecture attracted academics, industry professionals, students and stakeholders who discussed electricity reforms, innovation and engineering’s role in economic development.

(NAN)