Otti signs Abia electricity bill into law

UMUAHIA - Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has officially enacted the Abia State Electricity Bill, which grants the State the authority to oversee its electricity market. During the signing of the executive bill at his residence in Umuehim Nvosi, located in the Isiala Ngwa South council area, Otti elaborated that this legislation empowers the government to enforce its provisions. He emphasized that the state will soon establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).

The Governor noted that the comprehensive 64-page document is designed to bolster the government's power initiatives, ensuring their sustainability over time. It will also enhance efforts to extend electricity access to the eight council areas not currently included in the Aba ring-fence arrangement with Geometric Power Limited, which encompasses nine council areas.

He remarked, “This is a document that will endure. It is intended to safeguard the investments of all who wish to invest in Abia and promotes renewable energy.”

Otti added, “We are diligently working to integrate the remaining eight local government areas into the Umuahia ring-fence. This legislation will facilitate that initiative, and we are nearing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to advance in that direction. It will also provide protection for potential investors in power generation.”

He further expressed, “Our aspiration is that by ensuring adequate power supply for Abia, we will also be able to distribute electricity to other regions in the South East and South South, thereby generating revenue.”

Otti mentioned that discussions regarding the electricity bill commenced towards the end of 2023, following its prior passage at the national level by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

It seems that the arrangement was specifically designed for Abia. The primary reason for this is that Abia State is likely the only state with a designated ring-fenced area, and I am not aware of any other state possessing such a feature.

While there is a presence of embedded power throughout the region, Aba Power stands out as the sole independent and integrated power entity, encompassing generation, transmission, and distribution.

In a recent discussion with Geometric Power, they indicated that their existing capacity would enable them to transmit power to Umuahia from their plant, as well as potentially to other areas in the South East, without incurring significant additional costs, aside from the installation of a turbine, since the necessary infrastructure is already established.

He expressed appreciation to the State House of Assembly for the prompt passage of the bill and acknowledged the contributions of development partners.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to the State House of Assembly for the swift yet careful approval of this bill originating from the executive."

"I must emphasize that Abia State is fortunate to have the 8th Assembly, which comprises individuals who are well-educated and experienced in various fields."

While presenting the bill to the Governor, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, stated that Abia State is making significant progress with the electricity bill.

He characterized the bill as a landmark achievement, highlighting its potential as a substantial business investment for the state. He also noted that the State House of Assembly is aligned with the Governor’s vision and is dedicated to helping him realize his goals for the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, remarked that the state has utilized the Electricity Act of 2023, which empowers states to legislate on electricity matters, to initiate this bill.