Staff of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) have raised serious concerns over alleged mismanagement and corruption under the leadership of Managing Director Jennifer Adighije, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Presidency to intervene.
In an open letter titled “NDPHC Is Bleeding Under Mismanagement”, employees accused the MD of reckless spending and poor governance, alleging that no additional megawatts have been added to Nigeria’s power supply during her tenure.
The staff also criticised a proposed ₦900 million budget for a “25-Year Celebration,” calling it a “money-siphoning jamboree” with “no new projects, no improved power supply, and zero value to the sector.”
Additional allegations include the use of private jets for official trips and employment of costly media consultants. Workers claim that teams of media personnel follow Adighije on public funds while internal operations suffer, leading to demotivation, fear, and low productivity.
Concerns were also raised over promotion exam irregularities, with staff alleging that cut-off marks were manipulated to favour loyalists. The workforce has reportedly submitted a “Save Our Career” petition to the NDPHC Board, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, demanding urgent reforms.
₦20 Million Donation Controversy
Another matter highlighted in the petition involves a viral video showing Adighije giving Nollywood actress Sarah Martins ₦20 million in foreign currency, claiming the funds came from Seyi Tinubu. The President’s son has denied authorising the donation, prompting questions over the source and approval of the funds.
The donation reportedly followed an incident during a charity outreach in Lekki, Lagos, where Martins accused officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) unit of confiscating her cooking equipment, which she used to prepare free meals for the less privileged. Lagos authorities stated that Martins violated environmental and safety regulations by cooking on a public road median.
Martins had publicly thanked Seyi and the Noella Foundation for the donation, but Seyi clarified that the funds were actually raised by a group of his friends to help Martins find a proper venue for her charity work.
A viral clip showed Adighije presenting the cash to Martins, stating that Seyi, who was abroad at the time, requested the gesture and promised further support. Martins appeared visibly emotional while receiving the donation, though Seyi reaffirmed that he did not personally provide the funds and would not endorse actions that break the law.
Staff Demands
The NDPHC employees are urging authorities to audit the ₦900 million celebration, investigate the ₦20 million cash handover, examine private jet expenditures, review HR irregularities, and halt unnecessary spending.
In their letter, the staff concluded: “Zero impact. Zero value. Zero megawatts. NDPHC belongs to Nigerians — not one individual. The government must act to prevent waste and corruption from crippling the company.”
