First Female CEO of NDPHC Pledges Inclusive Work Culture to Drive National Power Sector Development

Jennifer Adighije, first female CEO of NDPHC, pledges a gender-friendly workplace to empower staff and drive Nigerian national development for IWD 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 6:27 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

During a commemorative event for International Women’s Day 2026, Jennifer Adighije, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), highlighted the critical importance of creating a workplace that fosters gender inclusivity. As the first female executive to lead the organization since its inception in 2005, Adighije’s tenure represents a significant shift in the leadership profile of the nation’s power sector. She maintained that providing a gender-friendly environment is not merely a social obligation but a strategic necessity, ensuring that every employee has the platform to contribute to the company's vital mission of stabilizing the national grid.

A Lone Voice Supported by a Collective Vision

Despite being the sole woman currently serving on the company’s executive management team, Adighije noted that her leadership has been met with significant internal cooperation. She described the professional atmosphere as one of unprecedented support, highlighting that the strength of the organization lies in its ability to respect and celebrate the resilience of its female workforce. According to Adighije, the success of a modern energy utility depends on moving past traditional gender silos and embracing a collaborative model where merit and diverse perspectives guide the decision making process at the highest levels.

The Societal Ripple Effect of Female Empowerment

The NDPHC chief framed the empowerment of women as an investment with transformative potential for the entire nation. She argued that while individual advancement is important, the broader social impact of supporting women in professional roles often results in wider community and national benefits. In her view, the power sector serves as a microcosm for this development, where inclusive policies can act as a catalyst for broader economic progress. By removing barriers to entry and advancement, the company aims to tap into a reservoir of talent that has historically been underrepresented in heavy industry and engineering.