Niger Delta Power Holding Company Chief Reaffirms Gender Inclusion Mandate Amid Historic Leadership Milestone

Niger Delta Power Holding Company CEO Jennifer Adighije marks IWD 2026 by pledging to empower women in leadership to drive Nigeria’s energy sector growth.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

A Historic Shift in Nigeria’s Power Sector Leadership

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has marked a significant institutional turning point with the public reaffirmation of its commitment to gender-balanced human capital development. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Adighije, speaking during the 2026 International Women’s Day commemorations, highlighted the organization’s deliberate efforts to foster an environment of collaboration that transcends gender lines. Since its inception in 2005, the utility has primarily operated under male leadership, making Adighije’s tenure a landmark case for female representation in the high-stakes management of national electricity infrastructure.

Cultivating a Culture of Professional Reciprocity

Central to the current administrative philosophy at the NDPHC is the concept of mutual support as a driver for organizational health. Adighije articulated a "give to gain" strategy, suggesting that the most significant institutional rewards are born from a culture where employees feel empowered to contribute regardless of their background. According to Adighije, the support she has received from her male colleagues on the executive management team serves as a template for the broader workforce, proving that inclusivity does not merely fulfill a social mandate but enhances the collective efficiency of the executive branch.

The Economic Imperative of Female Empowerment

Beyond internal policy, the NDPHC leadership framed gender inclusion as a critical lever for broader economic and social transformation within Nigeria. Adighije noted that empowering women provides a direct benefit to the stability of families and communities, which in turn strengthens the national economy. By urging policymakers and private sector leaders to intensify efforts toward equality in leadership positions, the NDPHC is positioning itself as a vocal advocate for the idea that sustainable development in the energy sector is inextricably linked to the diverse representation of its workforce.