Reps Inspect 565MW Calabar Plant, Commend NDPHC’s Safety Standards
A delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has inspected the 565-megawatt power plant in Calabar, Cross River State, praising the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for maintaining and improving safety measures at the facility.
Led by its Chairman, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, the committee toured the plant and carried out an on-the-spot assessment of operations.
The lawmakers noted significant progress since their last inspection in 2018, particularly in the areas of safety compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and work environment.
“My impression here is positive,” Hon. Zacharias told reporters after the tour. “We always appreciate when we step into any organisation and see that they have done very well.
What we have witnessed here shows that the NDPHC has taken safety and standards seriously.”
While commending the improvements, the committee also identified areas that require attention. These include enhanced lighting in some operational areas, better resting facilities for staff working in shifts, and improved office amenities.
The lawmakers urged management to prioritize staff welfare, stressing that working conditions directly impact productivity and safety outcomes.
Responding, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, General Manager of Generation Projects at NDPHC, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety.
She said the feedback from the legislators would help the company raise standards even further.
“This visit is an eye-opener, and the comparison with 2018 shows we are making progress. We will continue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff,” she said.
The Acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment at the Calabar plant, Austin Ijagem, also disclosed that the facility has not recorded any fatal accidents since it began operations, describing it as a testament to the company’s adherence to safety protocols.
The lawmakers pledged to relay their observations to the federal government and called for continued oversight to strengthen the power sector.
They emphasized that Nigeria’s energy future depends not only on expanding generation capacity but also on ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations across all plants.
