Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, granting the state the authority to regulate its electricity market and drive independent power initiatives.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Otti emphasized that the new law empowers the executive arm to implement electricity regulations effectively. He also announced plans to establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) to oversee the sector’s development.
The governor highlighted that the 64-page legislation will support the state’s long-term power strategies, particularly in extending electricity to the remaining eight local government areas (LGAs). This follows the successful implementation of the Aba ring-fence, powered by Geometric Power Limited, which currently covers nine LGAs.
“This is a landmark document that will stand the test of time, protecting investors and promoting renewable energy,” Otti stated.
He further disclosed that efforts are underway to incorporate the remaining eight LGAs under the Umuahia ring-fence. The government is also close to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate this expansion, ensuring that more communities benefit from stable electricity.
“Our goal is to not only meet Abia’s power needs but also generate surplus electricity for distribution to other parts of the Southeast and South-South, creating a revenue stream for the state,” he added.
Governor Otti praised the Abia State House of Assembly for the prompt passage of the bill, commending lawmakers for their diligence and understanding of the state’s development vision.
Alex Otti
Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the bill as a transformative step for Abia, positioning it as a leader in Nigeria’s electricity market. Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, also reaffirmed that the law aligns with the 2023 Electricity Act, allowing states to regulate and manage their power infrastructure.
The signing ceremony was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the State House of Assembly, and key stakeholders in the power sector.
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