ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has assured the people of Ndokwa Nation that their long-standing power crisis will soon be addressed, following renewed pressure from citizens demanding the Federal Government to step down the Independent Power Project (IPP) located in their area.
Senator Nwoko gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing members of the Step Down IPP Ndokwa Nation Movement, who staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. He commended the group for their orderly conduct and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the IPP project benefits the host communities as originally intended.
The lawmaker revealed that he has already held extensive consultations with key stakeholders in government, including the Minister of Power, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and top executives of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). He further disclosed that he had personally discussed the issue with President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to expedite the process of stepping down the IPP to the Ndokwa region.
Senator Nwoko emphasized that his legislative advocacy remains centered on fairness, infrastructural justice, and equitable development for Ndokwa people, who continue to live in darkness despite powering much of the nation. He noted that the IPP in Ndokwa supplies electricity to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa and more than eight states, yet the host communities have no access to the power generated from their own soil.
“I am fully committed to ensuring that Ndokwa people benefit from what rightfully belongs to them. This struggle is just, and I assure you that the relevant authorities are already responding positively. Our voices are being heard,” Senator Nwoko stated.
He also reiterated his support for the creation of Anioma State, describing it as a pathway to stronger political representation for Ndokwa people, who would then have their own senator and representatives in the National Assembly.
Earlier, the protesters, led by Dr. Francis Mbabie on behalf of the convener, Comrade Henry Franklyn, expressed deep frustration over the Federal Government’s continued neglect of Ndokwa Nation despite its enormous contributions to Nigeria’s power sector. They called for urgent intervention to ensure that the IPP is stepped down to serve the host communities.
Dr. Mbabie said the movement’s demands centered on fairness and justice, adding that it was unacceptable for Ndokwa to remain in darkness while its resources power other parts of the country.
The peaceful protest ended on a hopeful note, with participants expressing renewed confidence that their plight would soon attract decisive action from the Federal Government and relevant agencies.
