… accuses unnamed vested interests of sponsoring false petitions and media attacks to derail critical power-sector reforms being implemented under Engr. Adighije.
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has strongly debunked allegations published by Sahara Reporters on November 29, 2025, describing them as “false, malicious and part of a coordinated smear campaign” against its Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.
In a detailed rebuttal issued by its Corporate Communications Office, the company faulted the publication titled “Niger Delta Company Boss, Jennifer Adighije Accused of Reckless Spendings, Corruption as Staff Petition EFCC, Presidency”, stating that Sahara Reporters did not contact either the Managing Director or the organization for clarification before publishing the allegations.
NDPHC described the failure to seek its side of the story as a violation of “basic principles of fairness and responsible journalism,” and suggested that the platform may have been influenced by individuals opposed to the sweeping reforms currently underway in the company.
No ‘Reckless Spending’ — NDPHC Lists Achievements Instead
Responding to claims of mismanagement, reckless spending, and “zero megawatts added,” NDPHC emphasized that such allegations contradict the company’s progress over the last year.
The rebuttal listed key reforms under Adighije’s leadership, including revenue optimization, aggressive debt recovery, cost control, improved internal processes, and technology-driven efficiency. It further explained that adding new generation capacity is not the immediate priority given the huge stranded capacity already available and the limitations of the national grid.
“These facts are well known to genuine NDPHC staff,” the company stated.
No N900 Million Celebration Expenditure
On the allegation that the MD approved ₦900 million for a “25-year anniversary celebration,” NDPHC described the story as “mischievous, speculative, and fundamentally illogical,” noting that the Company was established in 2005 and could not be planning a 25-year anniversary.
The Board, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, only approved preparations for a 20-year anniversary, and no budget has yet been presented or approved.
Private Jet Claim ‘Sensational and Selective’
NDPHC clarified that the MD has only used chartered flights on rare occasions when commercial flights could not meet urgent operational demands. These flights, it said, were undertaken strictly for official duties and within approved budgets.
The rebuttal added that Sahara Reporters deliberately ignored the MD’s extensive road travels across difficult terrains while inspecting NDPHC installations nationwide.
Media Consultants Claim Baseless
The company also dismissed the claim that the MD employs “expensive media consultants,” explaining that NDPHC simply sponsors a board-approved public enlightenment programme to educate Nigerians about its mandate and opportunities.
“All engagements follow due process and fall within approved budgets,” it stated.
Promotion Exam Allegation ‘Completely False’
Rejecting claims of exam manipulation and favouritism, NDPHC maintained that the current promotion exercise was designed to promote merit, professionalism and equity.
It also clarified that results of the senior cadre examinations have not been released, making any allegation of manipulation premature and suspicious.
N20 Million Charity Issue Distorted
The company noted that the viral video involving actress Sarah Martins was a private charitable act facilitated by friends of Seyi Tinubu, and not funded by NDPHC.
“At no time were NDPHC funds used,” the rebuttal stressed.
Reforms Making Some Individuals Uncomfortable
NDPHC accused faceless vested interests — threatened by the MD’s clampdown on unjustified expenses and financial leakages — of sponsoring petitions and media attacks.
“Those who profited from past inefficiencies are resisting change,” the statement added.
Major Achievements Under One Year
The company highlighted several achievements under Adighije’s leadership, including:
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Recovery of over 110 containers of critical turbine parts abandoned for nine years
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Restoration of six dormant gas turbines, adding over 750MW to mechanical availability
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Recovery of over $10 million in legacy debts
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Successful completion of multiple substation and transmission projects nationwide
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Launch of major industrial power-supply initiatives (e.g., Light Up Nigeria – Agbara Cluster)
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Restoration efforts on the dormant 225MW Gbarain plant
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Improved staff welfare and transparent CBT-based promotion processes
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Resolution of long-standing contractual disputes and securing of significant insurance claims
NDPHC Warns Media Against Reckless Reporting
The Company urged the public to disregard the Sahara Reporters story while reminding media organisations of President Tinubu’s call for responsible reportage that does not undermine national institutions.
The statement concluded that NDPHC will not hesitate to pursue legal action against platforms that publish falsehoods without due diligence.
