Chairman of the Geometric Power group and Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, has expressed to international electricity consultants that Abia has the potential to become Nigeria’s premier power hub.
Nnaji, addressed a team of international electricity consultants during their visit to the company’s headquarters at the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba today.
He highlighted that Geometric Power generates and distributes electricity across the Aba Ring-fenced Area, which includes nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas. He also assured that two major power plants are set to be constructed within the Aba Ring-fence.
"One of the upcoming power plants is a joint venture between General Electric (GE) of the United States, the world’s largest and oldest power equipment manufacturer, and Geometric Power.
"Situated in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, this plant will produce 1,080 megawatts and represents GE’s first joint venture with a local firm. Progress has been stalled, however, due to the Federal Government's suspension over five years ago of the World Bank’s partial risk guarantee (PRG) for power purchase agreements (PPAs)," he said.
He also mentioned the state’s strategic advantages and resources, emphasizing its capacity to lead the country’s energy sector transformation and drive sustainable growth in the national power infrastructure.
Nnaji pledged, “We will work closely with the government to ensure Abia achieves its ambitious electricity goals, including playing an active role in establishing the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Commission.”
He added, “Governor Otti has been a tremendous support to Geometric Power for decades.”
The Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engineer Ikechukwu Monday, and the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Energy, Engr Kachi Etolue who led the team, assured strong government support for ensuring efficient electricity supply.
Engr. Monday stated "There are remote communities in Nigeria where electricity distribution companies are reluctant to extend power due to challenging terrains, and even when electricity is provided, residents often can't afford the commercial rates.
"As a key stakeholder, the state government believes that the new electricity plan for Abia cannot advance without Geometric Power's involvement, which is why we are here today.
"Moreover, some of these underserved areas fall within the Aba Ringfence, which Geometric Power began servicing only two years ago.”
The Commissioner also mentioned that the facility aligns with the vision of submitting a bill to the Abia State House of Assembly to establish the state’s Electricity Regulatory Commission.”
Also Read: Abia: Otti Begins Payment Of Salary Arrears To Civil Sevants
The international team of consultants who visited include Nico Peterschmidt and Dipta Majumdar from INENUS, as well as Rajesh Kumar Jain from the International Solar Alliance. The Alliance, which includes over 100 countries such as Nigeria, has signed an agreement to advance the development and use of solar energy.
Peterschmidt explained that the group is currently working in Nigeria at the invitation of the Nigerian government to assist in establishing mini solar grids in areas that are underserved or lack access to electricity.
He revealed that the World Bank has granted the Federal Government a $410 million loan to be distributed to subnational entities for solar grid projects, with Abia State aiming to be among the first to benefit.
