Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that the state government is finalizing plans to purchase the Umuahia ring-fence of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) as part of efforts to extend uninterrupted power supply to the entire state.
Governor Otti made this known on Monday during a reception at Geometric Power in Aba, shortly after former President Olusegun Obasanjo commissioned the new 2x15 MVA Aba Power substation at Ogbor Hill.
Speaking at the event, Otti revealed that the state had concluded due diligence and valuations and would submit a formal offer to EEDC by Tuesday, May 6. The acquisition, he said, is geared towards providing reliable electricity to the eight local government areas not currently covered by Geometric Power’s supply.
“With the deregulation of the power sector, we are in active discussions with Geometric to wheel their excess 80–88 megawatts of power to Umuahia,” Governor Otti said. “This move will ensure that more parts of Abia, especially the state capital, benefit from stable power supply.”
Geometric Power currently supplies electricity to nine LGAs in the state. Otti noted that with its infrastructure nearing full capacity, the company has surplus generation that can be redirected to areas like Umuahia once the government takes control of EEDC’s local assets.
The governor also commended former President Obasanjo for his foresight in designating Aba as a ring-fenced power zone years ago—well before the recent federal reforms allowed states to regulate power.
Former President Obasanjo, in his remarks, described Aba as the industrial heartbeat of Nigeria and urged Geometric Power to extend its grid to the remaining LGAs in the state. He also praised Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and commitment to economic development.
Earlier, Professor Bart Nnaji, Chairman and CEO of Geometric Power Group, gave an overview of the Aba Integrated Power Project, which he said has cost over $800 million to date. He credited both Obasanjo and Otti for their pivotal support in making the project a reality, particularly highlighting Otti’s role as a banker who supported the project’s financing long before becoming governor.
The event was attended by senior Abia State officials, including local government mayors and state legislators from Aba and Osisioma.
The planned acquisition, once completed, is expected to bring Abia closer to achieving comprehensive and independent electricity distribution, bolstering economic activity and improving the quality of life for residents.
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