Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to acquire the Umuahia ring-fence of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, to extend reliable electricity supply to the remaining eight local government areas not yet connected to the Geometric Power grid.
The governor made the disclosure during the commissioning of Aba Power’s new 2x15MVA Ogbor Hill Substation, an event graced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The move, Governor Otti said, forms part of his administration’s aggressive power infrastructure reforms aimed at achieving stable, round-the-clock electricity across the state.
“We have completed all necessary evaluations and due diligence. An official offer will be made to EEDC for the acquisition of the Umuahia ring-fence.
“Our projection shows that with the 11 substations of Geometric Power fully operational, we will have over 80 megawatts of excess power. Instead of injecting that into the national grid, we intend to wheel it directly to Umuahia and its environs for local consumption.”
The substation, commissioned at Ogbor Hill, is expected to further stabilize electricity supply in Aba and support the city’s growing industrial base.
Governor Otti thanked former President Obasanjo for his continued support and vision, saying, “Chief Obasanjo’s reflections on the importance of Aba to Nigeria’s industrial future reaffirm our resolve to reposition this city as an economic powerhouse.”
Also present was Professor Bart Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power, whose company has been instrumental in providing private-led electricity generation and distribution in Aba.
Otti lauded the company’s long-standing commitment to energy development in the state.
“I am grateful to Professor Bart Nnaji and the Geometric team for their bold vision and investment. Their work has laid the foundation for the energy future we are building in Abia,” he said.
Governor Otti added that his administration is focused on integrating excess electricity capacity with “decisive policy implementation and targeted utility restructuring,” stating that “Abia is ensuring energy stability, efficiency, and accessibility, empowering businesses, households, and key industries for long-term economic prosperity.”
The strategic push to take control of local electricity infrastructure comes as Abia State positions itself to leverage energy as a catalyst for industrialization and inclusive growth.
