By Jemi Ekunkunbor
When in 2016, he was appointed MD/CEO Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, his assignment was to drive reforms and ensure growth. He brought to bear in his new assignment, his years of experience at Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, where he participated actively in electric power reforms as an embedded legal consultant, his role at USAID Power Africa Transaction and Reform Program where he also worked as an embedded adviser and his educational experience in energy regulation garnered at
Canadian Energy Research Institute, Calgary, Canada, and Institute for Public-Private Partnerships, Washington D.C., USA.
Faced with transmission constraints and systemic transmission frequency instability, the energy and infrastructure law specialist, rolled up his sleeves and threw himself into the assignment, armed with just one goal–to deliver service.
An epitome of a dedicated public servant, he converted hard work into a lifestyle, his office devoid of fanfare often seen with government appointees.
Before his retirement last week, Chiedu as he is simply addressed, successfully completed over 400 electricity distribution projects, connecting or reconnecting many communities to the national grid.
In a nation that people often find themselves in darkness due to distribution challenges, he who brings light brings life.
Meet Chiedu Ugbo who in this rare encounter, gives account of his stewardship and shares plans for life in retirement.
How did a lawyer become such an authority in the power sector so much so you could pass for an engineer?
My journey into the power sector began about 25 years ago, a path I now view as not merely fortuitous but as a matter of providence. At that time, I was a Senior Associate at George Ikoli & Okagbue, a law firm based in Victoria Island, then engaged to represent the now-defunct NEPA in negotiating agreements with independent power producers, IPP, entering Nigeria, following the liberalisation that allowed NEPA to purchase bulk electric power from independent third parties. I was assigned to handle the matter in the firm.
The legal agreements involve complex commercial and engineering terminologies. Although my formal training is in law, I quickly recognised that the legal landscape of the sector is intricately linked to its operational and technical aspects. To effectively represent clients in this field, I realised that I needed to immerse myself in understanding basic industry principles, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics of the industry. I was intentionally committed to continuous education to bridge the gap between law and industry practice, actively seeking international training opportunities and attending conferences and workshops.
You took over leadership at NDPHC at a time of great challenges in the power sector; which was the most challenging?
The most significant challenge we faced was the transmission constraint that severely limited our ability to utilise our power plants’ generation capacity. While our power plants were technically available to generate electricity for the national grid, some of our transmission lines for evacuating output were still under construction. Completion of these lines was hampered by community issues related to way leaves. We also encountered systemic transmission frequency instability and faced gas supply challenges, particularly as the gas pipeline to one of our major power plants was still under construction.
How did you surmount the challenges?
We adopted a multi-faceted approach, prioritising interventions in building transmission lines and substations. NDPHC, while primarily an electricity generation company, has the mandate to implement the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, and take an integrated approach to resolving sector challenges. We engaged with communities to address concerns and resolve way leave challenges. This allowed us to complete the necessary transmission lines. Additionally, we undertook and completed several other transmission projects to bolster the transmission capability of Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, including the completion of major substations in Ikot-Ekpene, Kobape (Abeokuta), Awka and Adiabo (Calabar) and the state-of-the-art Lafia transmission substation. Our efforts also focussed on resolving gas supply challenges by working closely with one of our major gas suppliers, to complete and commission the gas pipeline under construction for a more efficient gas supply to one of our major power plants.
Several times, we’ve had events of system collapse; could lack of best practices such as poor maintenance issues have been responsible?
It is essential to clarify here that a system collapse does not imply a crash of the transmission network. It simply refers to grid disturbances usually caused by imbalances between electricity supply and demand, leading to instability and power outage. It happens everywhere. It is just that more advanced transmission systems have measures to mitigate these disturbances, allowing them to adjust seamlessly. Unfortunately, this is where Nigeria’s transmission grid may have fallen short, underscoring the need for improvement.
How can these issues be dealt with permanently especially in the government owned organisations?
The issue of grid disturbances lies primarily with TCN, although disturbances may stem from sudden losses of generation or abrupt load drops by distribution companies.
TCN is the government-owned entity responsible for managing the grid and I understand is actively addressing this challenge by installing systems that will enable real-time monitoring and control of the grid to respond swiftly to disturbances. TCN is also implementing grid stability measures, including reactive power compensation and voltage support systems. Grid expansion and reinforcement projects by TCN and NDPHC are designed to ensure system redundancy and flexibility, essential for maintaining operational integrity.
One major challenge faced in transmission that also causes grid failure is vandalization of transmission assets. I also understand that TCN is intensifying public awareness and and engagement to encourage preservation of critical transmission.
Through your efforts, a community like Magboro got connected to power after 17 years; share with us the response from the community to that breakthrough?
Magboro community in Ogun State is just one of the many that NDPHC has successfully reconnected to the national grid after years of outages. NDPHC has completed over 400 electricity distribution projects across the country and celebrated by the impacted communities, who express immense joy and relief at finally having access to electricity. These reconnections have transformed their daily lives, with positive impacts on education, business opportunities, and healthcare.
Most Nigerians detest the issue of estimated billing, how can this be addressed?
There are several interventions and initiatives by the Federal Government and donor agencies towards addressing that including initiatives for increased meter installations to ensure accurate billing. Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is also constantly monitoring the Discos to ensure compliance with metering programs and billing transparency and standards.
You ran your office devoid of fanfare common with some government appointees; what drives you?
My driving force was the mandate of the company and the impact we make in serving households and businesses. I focussed on outcomes rather than appearances or recognition. I believe the conduct of a public officer should reflect public trust, serving with integrity and dedication. The conduct should be sober and humble, not seeking personal recognition or fanfare. Just as a faithful servant serves with humility, so should public officers. Imagine a servant living a lavish lifestyle, it is only natural for the master to question the trustworthiness of that servant. However, humility or sobriety in service should not be equated to deliberate risks to lives and properties but serving with modesty and integrity.
What would you miss most about NDPHC?
I would deeply miss the incredible and dedicated team I have had the privilege to work alongside for over eight years. I am grateful to that team. I would cherish the relationships I have built with stakeholders, colleagues, and the communities we served.
What is the most important lesson you learned during your tenure?
I learned the importance of teamwork and the need for adaptability in a constantly evolving power sector. Effective leadership requires flexibility to embrace change and craft solutions to emerging challenges. It was a great experience. My heartfelt thanks go to Their Excellencies, Former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, for giving me the opportunity to serve as the MD/CEO of NDPHC starting with my first appointment in 2016. I am also profoundly grateful to Their Excellencies, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for retaining me in my role since they took office in May 2023, enabling me to complete my tenure on August 25, 2024.
What do you look forward to now?
I look forward to exploring new and exciting opportunities, whether mentoring the next generation of leaders in the power sector, returning to law practice, engaging in consulting, or pursuing personal passions that positively impact society.
Describe your life in the power sector in a sentence…
My life in the power sector has been an exciting journey marked by collaboration, dedication, and adaptability in developing sustainable solutions to energize communities and businesses.
What counsel would you give to anyone coming into the public sector?
My advice is to approach their roles with diligence, humility, and sobriety, prioritizing compliance with established processes and fostering positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Where is your favourite travel destination?
My favourite travel destination is my hometown, Ezi, an ancient kingdom steeped in history and culture located in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. I like it there because it is far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, with serene atmosphere and warm hospitality. It is an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature and loved ones.
If you have the opportunity to go to a new destination for a holiday, where would you go?
I will go to destinations that offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxation, similar to what you can find in Ezi.
Busy men they say don’t have time for TV but when you watch TV, what programmes do you watch?
I watch news and Nollywood movies.