What we do differently to have 24/7 power in Abia – Gov Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti is making 24/7 electricity supply a cornerstone of his administration's economic strategy, aiming to alleviate the significant energy costs burdening manufacturers.

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Today, Aba has an island that includes eight more local governments, literally out of the national grid. And Aba has been reinforced as an island. And they have 24-hour power as we speak.

Speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 ceremony, Otti detailed his administration's focus on stabilizing electricity after observing that markets were not functioning optimally due to insufficient power. He pointed to the success of Geometric Power in Aba, which now provides 24-hour electricity to an "island" encompassing eight local government areas, reinforcing Aba as the state's commercial hub.

To extend this reliability, Abia has signed an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to bring the state capital, Umuahia, under independent control. The state has also established the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, intending to leverage Geometric Power's potential 188 megawatts capacity to supply Umuahia and other areas.

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Also, out of EEDC, we set up the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency. And what we want to do is to have control of power in our own hands.

"We believe that Geometric, at a maximum capacity of 188 megawatts, would have excess capacity," Otti stated, expressing confidence in achieving 24-hour power across the state within a few years. He emphasized that this focus on energy is critical, as "60 to 70 percent of their cost is in energy" for many manufacturers.

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We believe that Geometric, at a maximum capacity of 188 megawatts, would have excess capacity. And we can just will it to Umuahia and other parts of the state. And by God’s grace, in a few years, we should also guarantee 24-hour power supply in Umuahia and other local governments.

Beyond electricity, Otti highlighted progress in healthcare and road infrastructure, citing the construction of 414 roads totaling 864 kilometers, with another 82 ongoing. The transportation sector has seen the launch of 20 electric buses, with 20 more expected, aiming to facilitate movement across the state with good roads and reliable electricity.

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It matters because a lot of manufacturers, industries, about 60 to 70 per cent of their cost is in energy.