03 April 2016, Abuja — The Federal Government has successfully settled the rift between Geometric Power and operators of the Enugu Distribution company (Disco) that stalled the take-off of the 141 megawatts, MW, Aba Power in Abia State since 2014.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who spoke after the parties signed an agreement in Abuja said the resolution “has shown that within one Disco, there can be two or many more players.”
He said the deal would ensure that the over $500million investment was safe while about 200mw would be delivered first to the Aba industrial zone and to the national grid.
The station built in Abia State was the first Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Nigeria, the operators, Geometric Power Ltd said. The gas-fired plant which has a 27km gas pipeline, and a distribution utility, within a ring-fenced distribution network, is meant to provide embedded power towards reviving industries in the Aba hub.
Former Defence Minister, Kayode Adetokunbo, who spoke for the board of Enugu Disco/Interstate Electrics, said, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo last September initiated the dialogue between the two parties. “We went to court earlier but are happy to sit down and sign a public document to show that all issues between us have been resolved.”
*Simon Echewofun Sunday – Daily Trust