Group Debunks Allegations Against NDPHC Boss, Defends Performance

The Accountability and Policy Monitoring Group has firmly rejected recent allegations of financial recklessness and inappropriate use of private jets levelled against the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Suurnen Rachel Akper, the organisation described the claims as entirely fabricated, emphasising that the widely circulated figure of ₦900 million allegedly approved for her use “is neither real nor approved.”

According to the group, Engr. Adighije has exemplified prudence and responsible leadership since assuming office, contrary to reports suggesting reckless spending.

It cited her frequent use of commercial flights as proof of modesty, noting that on October 28, two staff members of the BAT Ideological Group encountered her aboard a 6:30 a.m. Air Peace flight to Abuja.

The group stressed that she routinely flies commercial, a rare practice for someone in her position, and insisted that any chartered flights undertaken were strictly for urgent, time-sensitive official duties where commercial schedules would hinder effective service delivery. The organisation maintained that these activities do not amount to wastefulness.

The group alleged that the false narratives were being peddled by individuals dissatisfied with Engr. Adighije’s strong stance on accountability and her refusal to allow financial leakages within NDPHC operations. It argued that her efforts have unsettled those who previously benefited from opaque practices, prompting attempts to discredit her.

Highlighting her performance over the past year, the Accountability and Policy Monitoring Group said the NDPHC boss has significantly improved operational efficiency and transparency.

It noted that she has overseen the recovery of abandoned critical infrastructure components valued in millions of dollars, restored several gas turbines across multiple National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) plants—thereby boosting national generation capacity—and recovered substantial legacy debts owed by bilateral customers.

The statement also pointed to her introduction of procurement reforms to ensure full compliance with the Public Procurement Act, the adoption of Computer-Based Tests to entrench merit and fairness in staff promotions, and successful completion of multiple power infrastructure projects across Borno, Delta and other states.

It further highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Light Up Nigeria industrial connection project in Agbara, the development of a 10MW embedded solar solution for Kano, the restoration of the dormant 225MW Gbarain plant, and improved plant lifespan following extended inspections carried out by Siemens.

Additionally, the group praised her role in securing a $15 million insurance claim for the Alaoji plant fire incident, resolving longstanding disputes with Accugas to reduce government exposure, and beginning interventions to restore electricity to the Rigasa community in Kaduna, which has endured seven years without power.

Reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency and good governance, the Accountability and Policy Monitoring Group urged media organisations to uphold accuracy, verification and fairness in their reportage. It cautioned against sensationalism capable of misleading the public or tarnishing the reputation of dedicated public servants.

Her tenure, the group noted, has also seen the recovery of over $10 million in legacy debts owed by bilateral customers, the introduction of a price-benchmarking system to guarantee strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act, and the adoption of computer-based testing to promote transparency and merit in staff promotions.

The statement further underscored her commitment to staff welfare, citing her introduction of a support allowance to cushion the impact of subsidy removal.

The group encouraged journalists to seek clarification from relevant authorities before publishing damaging claims and expressed readiness to work with media professionals who value truth, balance and integrity.