The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has considered prompt actions to work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, to resolve funding constraints and lingering community issues delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T).

Chairman of the committee, Ademorin Kuye, gave the assurance after leading members of the committee on an inspection of the project site, where they assessed the level of work completed and held discussions with community leaders, the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy, and NDPHC officials.

Kuye said the visit was part of the committee's ongoing investigation into abandoned Federal Government assets and projects to ensure that public investments are not wasted.

He explained that the transmission line was identified as one of several critical infrastructure projects that could be revived to support economic growth and improve electricity supply

He noted that both the NDPHC and the contractor have expressed readiness to complete the project once outstanding challenges are addressed.

He also commended the host communities for safeguarding project materials despite the prolonged suspension of work.

The lawmaker urged the NDPHC to expedite the payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners to pave the way for the contractor's return to site.

Addressing community members, Kuye assured them that the National Assembly would collaborate with the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government and local authorities to remove all obstacles delaying the project.

The Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, lamented that the contractor abandoned the project more than six years ago.

He appealed to the Federal Government and the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation claims and address other issues preventing the completion of the project.

The 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line is expected to strengthen the national grid by evacuating electricity from power plants in the Niger Delta and improving power supply to industries and households in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states when completed.