The Abia State Government is set to acquire the Umuahia ring-fence of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in a bold move aimed at delivering uninterrupted power supply to eight local government areas not currently served by Geometric Power.
Governor Alex Otti disclosed this on Monday at the Geometric Power facility in Aba during a reception organized by the company’s management, following the commissioning of a new 2 x 15 MVA substation in Ogbor Hill by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Governor Otti revealed that the government has concluded all necessary evaluations and due diligence and will officially present an offer to EEDC on Tuesday, May 6.
“We are in the process of buying EEDC and restructuring Umuahia. We have done all the evaluations, and by tomorrow we will be making an offer,” the Governor said.
He explained that with the 11 substations of Geometric Power ready and nine local government areas already connected, the state expects to have over 80 megawatts of excess power. Discussions are underway with Geometric Power to wheel the surplus into the Umuahia ring-fence once the acquisition is completed.
“Ordinarily, this excess would go into the national grid, but with deregulation, we’re looking at wheeling it directly to Umuahia. Once we take control, that power will serve the remaining LGAs,” he added.
Governor Otti also commended former President Obasanjo for his visionary leadership in ring-fencing Aba as a power zone during his administration, and thanked Professor Bart Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power Group, for his commitment to Abia’s development.
In his remarks, former President Obasanjo urged Prof. Nnaji to extend Geometric Power’s coverage to the remaining LGAs in the state. He praised Governor Otti’s proactive leadership and described Aba as Nigeria’s industrial hub deserving of constant power.
Prof. Nnaji, while outlining the Aba Integrated Power Project, highlighted the $800 million investment and expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his long-standing support — from his banking days to his current role as governor. He credited Otti for creating a supportive environment for the success of the project.
The high-profile event was attended by top government officials, mayors of Aba North, Aba South, and Osisioma LGAs, and members of the Abia State House of Assembly.
