NDPHC begins power project to end 15-Year blackout in Kaduna community

By Onu Okorie

After 15 years without reliable electricity, residents of Rigasa community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State may soon see an end to prolonged power deprivation as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) has commenced a major electricity infrastructure project in the area.
The project, expected to improve electricity access for households, businesses and other establishments, involves the construction of a two-kilometre 11kV line, a 1.5-kilometre 33kV line and a 7.5MVA, 33/11kV injection substation.
Facilitated by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), the intervention is designed to strengthen electricity distribution infrastructure and address the longstanding power challenges confronting residents of the densely populated community.
The project reached a major milestone on Friday, October 23, 2026, when Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of Governor Uba Sani.
Speaking at the event, Balarabe commended NDPHC for undertaking the project, describing the intervention as life-saving given the difficulties associated with prolonged electricity deprivation.
She expressed optimism that the project would help address the community’s longstanding electricity challenges and improve living conditions for residents.
For a community that has endured years of blackout, the intervention is expected to create opportunities for improved commercial activities, support small businesses and reduce the difficulties faced by households in accessing alternative sources of electricity.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to addressing electricity infrastructure gaps in underserved communities.
Adighije, who was represented by the Executive Director, Networks, Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, said the company remained committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of expanding electricity supply across Nigeria.
She explained that although NDPHC’s primary mandate is power generation, the company also undertakes interventions in transmission and distribution infrastructure where necessary to address critical gaps in the electricity value chain.
According to her, the Rigasa project represents a worthwhile investment in improving access to electricity and easing the hardship experienced by residents.
She added that targeted infrastructure development in underserved communities was essential to expanding electricity access and improving socioeconomic conditions.
In his remarks, NDPHC Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government and the Rigasa community for their cooperation and support towards the successful commencement of the project.
The District Head of Rigasa, Hakimi Arc. Mohammed Aminu Idris, also praised NDPHC’s management for its commitment to extending electricity infrastructure to the community.
Other dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony included former Senator Shehu Sani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, and BAT-IG Convener, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi.
Government officials, electricity industry stakeholders and community representatives also attended the event.
NDPHC General Manager, Distribution, Engr. Dahiru Muritala Mohammed, whose department is responsible for the project, was present at the ceremony.
The Rigasa intervention highlights the role of electricity distribution infrastructure in complementing power generation and connecting communities to the benefits of improved energy access.
When completed and commissioned, the project is expected to help address the community’s prolonged electricity challenges, support local economic activities and improve the quality of life of residents.