The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has threatened to remove illegal structures erected on projects executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The committee also warned that encroachment and vandalism were undermining investments in the power sector.

Nazo AGIM, general manager of corporate communication and external relations, NDPHC, said this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Mr Nazo said the committee chairman, Kuye Ademorin, issued the warning after an inspection visit to the 132 kilovolt (kV) New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State.

He said the committee also inspected the Egbu 330/132/33kV substation in Owerri, Imo.

He listed other lawmakers on the inspection to include Mark Obetta, Lanre Okunlola, Sani Rigo, and Canice Nwachukwu.

”The committee observed that churches, hotels, private residences and state government buildings have been erected along the designated transmission routes, threatening the timely completion of the projects,” he said.

Mr Ademorin expressed concern over the proliferation of buildings along designated transmission routes, questioning how state authorities could approve such developments despite the federal government’s existing rights-of-way.

He said that the encroachment had delayed projects designed to improve electricity supply and stimulate industrial development, while vandalism had further undermined public investments.

“We observed the magnitude of investment by the Federal Government in building a sustainable power system for the country, particularly in our states, to help them develop their industrial base through adequate power supply.

“However, to our disappointment, we saw people who are not totally buying into the vision of a greater country for all of us,” he said.

The lawmaker called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to protect public assets and ensure timely project delivery.

He also urged the government to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and ensure contractors receive timely payments.

Mr Ademorin also emphasised the need for prompt compensation to landowners to prevent disputes and litigation over acquired land.

He, however, commended the NDPHC for the quality of work at the Owerri substation, expressing optimism that its expected completion around March 2027 would transform industrial activities across the South-East.

The lawmaker appealed to the governors of Enugu and Imo states to work with NDPHC to address encroachment, protect federal assets and accelerate project delivery.

While warning those occupying government land illegally, he said, “It is not going to be business as usual. We are going to take drastic, appropriate steps to ensure that those structures are removed.”

He advised Nigerians to investigate land ownership and status before purchasing property to avoid acquiring plots within government-approved rights-of-way.

According to the company, the Owerri substation, which is about 85 per cent complete, will add about 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo and significantly improve supply to the Orlu area.

The project, first awarded in 2006, has received renewed attention under the leadership of NDPHC managing director Jennifer Adighije.

(NAN)