The House of Representatives has pledged to revive the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project in Akwa Ibom State.
Lawmakers said they would work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to resolve funding and community issues delaying the project.
The pledge followed an inspection of the project site by the House Committee on Public Assets. Committee Chairman Ademorin Kuye led the delegation.
The lawmakers assessed the level of work completed. They also met NDPHC officials, contractor Anita Energy and leaders of the host communities.
According to NDPHC’s Head of Corporate Communication and External Relations, Nazo Agim, the committee considers the transmission line a strategic national asset.
The lawmakers said the project can strengthen the national grid. It can also improve electricity supply and support economic growth in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.
Kuye said the inspection formed part of the committee’s review of abandoned Federal Government projects. He explained that lawmakers want public investments to deliver value to Nigerians.
The committee identified the transmission line as a project with strong economic potential. Kuye said both the NDPHC and the contractor are willing to resume work.
However, they must resolve funding gaps and community concerns before construction can continue.
The lawmaker said the project will improve electricity supply when completed. It will also support businesses, farmers and artisans across the region.
Kuye praised host communities for protecting the project’s equipment during the years of inactivity. He said residents secured the transmission towers, conductors and other materials at the site.
The committee urged the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation owed to affected landowners.
Kuye said payment of the claims would help the contractor return to the site. He added that resolving the issue would remove a major obstacle to the project’s completion.
The lawmaker assured residents that the National Assembly would work with the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State Government and local authorities to remove the remaining barriers.
Earlier, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, appealed for urgent action.
He asked the Federal Government and the NDPHC to resolve the compensation issues. Udo said the communities want the contractor to return because the project will improve development in the area.
He added that residents have continued to protect the equipment left at the site because they understand the importance of the project.
The 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line will evacuate electricity from power plants in the Niger Delta into the national grid.
The NDPHC started the project under the National Integrated Power Projects programme. The initiative aims to address transmission challenges and improve electricity delivery across Nigeria.
When completed, the transmission line will increase power evacuation capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s electricity network.
However, funding challenges, compensation disputes and community concerns have delayed the project for more than six years.
Lawmakers believe resolving these issues will allow work to resume and help Nigerians benefit from the investment.
