The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has dismissed allegations published by Sahara Reporters accusing its Managing Director, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, of corruption, reckless spending and running the organisation aground.
The company made its position known in a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Corporate Communications/Media Office, Emmanuel Ojor.NDPHC described the publication as “a dubious and ill-intended attempt to smear”the person of the Managing Director and mislead Nigerians.
The organisation also noted that Sahara Reporters did not reach out to the company or the MD for clarification before publishing the allegations.
According to the statement, the report appears to have been sponsored by vested interests uncomfortable with ongoing changes within the organisation aimed at blocking leakages, recovering stranded revenue and repositioning the company.
The company rejected the claim that it has delivered zero megawatts under the current management, explaining that adding new generation capacity is not an immediate priority due to existing stranded capacity, inadequate grid evacuation infrastructure and large outstanding debts owed to the company for power already supplied.
On the allegation that ₦900 million was earmarked for an anniversary celebration, NDPHC said no such approval exists. It stated that what is currently in place is planning work for the organisation’s 20-year anniversary, and even that has not been finalised or approved.
The statement also addressed the claim of private jet usage, saying chartered flights have only been used when commercial options were not feasible for official engagements across the country’s geopolitical zones.
NDPHC further explained that its media engagements, including a board-approved television programme, were legitimate, transparent and aimed at enlightening the public on its mandate and activities.
On the promotion exercise allegation, the company stated that the ongoing process is merit-based and driven by a computer-based testing system. It added that results for senior cadre positions have not yet been released.
The organisation also clarified that the reported ₦20 million donation to actress Sarah Martins was not made from company funds but was a personal philanthropic gesture by the Managing Director using support from friends.
NDPHC highlighted several achievements recorded in the first year of the current administration, including recovery of abandoned assets, restoration of previously dormant gas turbines, debt recovery, substation completion and progress on bilateral power sale agreements awaiting regulatory approval.
The company called on Nigerians to disregard the publication and restated its openness to scrutiny.
The statement concluded:“NDPHC remains committed to transparency and welcomes any objective investigation that is based on facts and records, not anonymous petitions.”
