ABUJA/Nigeria: A large group of concerned citizens from the Ndokwa ethnic nationality on Tuesday stormed the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, demanding urgent action to end the prolonged blackout that has crippled economic and social activities in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State.
The peaceful protesters, who expressed frustration over years of neglect despite hosting critical national energy assets such as the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP), were received by the leadership of the House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD.
Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Power, Rt. Hon. Victor Nwokolo, the Speaker commended the peaceful conduct of the demonstrators and assured them that their grievances had been duly noted. He added that the House was already taking legislative measures to address the long-standing power supply crisis affecting Ndokwa communities.
Addressing the protesters, the Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, expressed solidarity with their agitation and reiterated his firm commitment to restoring electricity to the affected communities.
Hon. Ezechi disclosed that he had been in active engagement with Oando Plc, the new owners of Agip, over the stalled Okpai IPP Phase II project. He explained that relevant legislative correspondences and oversight actions had been initiated through the House Committee on Power to ensure that the project resumes without further delay.
During a follow-up meeting with the delegation, the federal lawmaker also called for urgent intervention in the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) ongoing projects within the constituency, including the 132KV substations in Kwale and Okpai, as well as the 132KV double circuit transmission line linking Okpai IPP to Kwale. He emphasized that completing these key projects was vital to ending the decades-long blackout in Ndokwa land.
“Ndokwa has suffered neglect for far too long despite contributing immensely to Nigeria’s power grid. My commitment is unwavering, we will not rest until electricity is fully restored to every community in our constituency,” Ezechi assured.
The lawmaker also commended the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, for their contributions toward the electrification of Ndokwa communities.
He particularly lauded their intervention in ensuring payment of compensation to individuals affected by the right-of-way acquisition, which facilitated the commencement of major transmission projects. Ezechi further acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Oborevwori-led administration in restoring power to several Ndokwa communities, noting that more areas were being connected under the state’s restoration plan.
Hon. Ezechi reaffirmed his resolve to continue engaging stakeholders at all levels, both in government and the private sector, until a sustainable and reliable power supply is achieved across the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency.
