NDPHC’s Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije
Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has pushed back strongly against a Sahara Reporters publication dated November 29, 2025, describing the story as a “dubious and ill-intended attempt” to tarnish the image of its Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, and mislead stakeholders.
The article, titled “Niger Delta Company Boss, Jennifer Adighije Accused of Reckless Spendings, Corruption as Staff Petition EFCC, Presidency,” alleged financial recklessness, mismanagement, and abuse of office. But NDPHC says the accusations are not only false, they were published without the basic courtesy of seeking clarification.
According to the company, Sahara Reporters “did not uphold the basic principles of fair hearing and objective journalism” and never reached out to the MD or the organisation before going to press — a move NDPHC considers evidence that the platform “allowed itself to be used by individuals who are clearly uncomfortable with the courageous leadership and reforms” underway.
Reforms, Not Recklessness — NDPHC Responds
The company in a statement by the Head of Corporate and External Communications, Emmanuel Ojor, insisted that claims of “massive corruption, reckless spending” and that it has “not added a single megawatt” under Adighije’s watch ignore both sector realities and the agency’s actual mandate.
Since assuming office, Adighije has focused on tightening internal systems, cutting unjustified costs, retrieving huge outstanding debts, improving efficiency, and leveraging technology — all geared towards stabilizing the company and increasing revenue. With existing plants already facing stranded capacity and billions owed for energy delivered, NDPHC argues that building new generation capacity is not its immediate priority.
The organisation hinted that the petitioners cited by Sahara Reporters may not even be genuine staff, noting that “it is doubtful that the so-called petitioners are genuine workers of NDPHC who are conversant with the Company’s achievements and priorities.”
On the Alleged ₦900 Million Anniversary Budget
One major claim in the story is that the company is planning a ₦900 million “25-Year Celebration,” which Sahara Reporters described as a “money-siphoning jamboree.”
NDPHC dismissed the claim as both “mischievous and speculative,” pointing out that the figure was referred to even in the story as a proposed budget — one that has not been finalized or approved. Moreover, the company is not even 25 years old.
The organisation said the Board — chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima — only approved preparations for a 20-year anniversary, and the Managing Director merely inaugurated a planning committee. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Managing Director cannot, and has not, unilaterally approved any such expenditure of 900 million naira for any event.”
On Private Jet Use
The story also claimed that Adighije frequently uses private jets for official trips. NDPHC clarified that while the MD’s duties often require urgent travel across the country, chartered flights are used only when commercial schedules cannot accommodate time-sensitive operations.
“These instances even though are few and far between, are strictly for official purposes, and remain fully within the approved operational budget,” the company stated — adding that the MD has also travelled long hours by road in challenging terrains to inspect NDPHC assets.
On Hiring “Expensive Media Consultants”
The company rejected the vague allegation that Adighije surrounds herself with “teams of media handlers,” calling it an unfounded claim without figures or evidence.
NDPHC said it runs a Board-approved public-education TV programme and other legitimate communication activities to enlighten Nigerians about its projects and mandate. All media-related expenditures, it stresses, are transparent and within approved budgets.
Promotion Exam Manipulation? “False,” Says NDPHC
Sahara Reporters also accused the MD of manipulating promotion exams and altering cut-off marks to favour loyalists. But the company insists the process is transparent and strictly guided by established HR policy.
It noted that senior staff exam results have not even been officially released, making any allegations premature. Junior staff, whose results were completed and communicated, reportedly expressed satisfaction with the process.
NDPHC added that Adighije had no pre-existing factions in the company and has consistently insisted on merit: “Her insistence has been that the best candidates — irrespective of tribe, background or perceived alignment — should emerge through a transparent and competitive process.”
The “₦20 Million Donation” Video
The story also referenced a viral clip featuring Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, portraying a ₦20 million donation handed over by the MD as evidence of corruption.
The company says this interpretation is “both unfair and inaccurate.”
The gesture, it explained, was a personal act conveyed by the MD on behalf of friends — including acquaintances of Mr. Seyi Tinubu — to support the actress’s charitable effort. Tinubu has publicly clarified that the funds were contributions from friends, not from him personally.
“At no point did the Managing Director state or imply that NDPHC funds were involved,” the company emphasized.
“Zero Impact”? Facts Say Otherwise
The petitioners reportedly claimed NDPHC under Adighije has delivered “Zero Impact. Zero Value. Zero Megawatts.”
But the company listed several achievements in her one year in office, including:
Recovery of 110 abandoned containers with critical turbine equipment
Restoration of six previously dormant gas turbines, adding roughly 750MW to mechanical availability
Recovery of over $10 million in legacy debts
Major capital projects completed in Borno and Delta States
Progress on the “Light Up Nigeria” industrial cluster initiative
Insurance claims of $15 million secured
Restoration work on the dormant 225MW Gbarain plant
Multiple new bilateral power purchase agreements unlocking about 500MW
And significant progress resolving longstanding disputes, such as the ACCUGAS gas supply matter
NDPHC cautions Sahara Reporters, Appeals to Nigerians
The company urged Nigerians to disregard the allegations and cautioned media platforms to avoid being used by individuals with ulterior motives. It reminded journalists of the President’s recent appeal to uphold fairness and objectivity.
While emphasizing commitment to transparency, NDPHC warned it would “not hesitate to exercise her fundamental rights — including seeking legal redress” over false publications.
