Abia Restores 24-Hours Electricity In Aba, To Exit National Grid

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced the restoration of near 24-hour electricity supply within the Aba ring-fenced area, covering nine local government areas of the state.

Otti made the disclosure on Monday at Invest Lagos 3.0, an international investment summit organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

Speaking at the summit themed “Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa – Powering Africa’s Next Era of Trade, Talent and Global Economic Leadership,” the governor said his administration, working with the Federal Government through the Office of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, resolved longstanding issues that delayed the multi-million-dollar Geometric Power Project in Aba.

According to him, the success of the Aba power project has positioned the state to replicate the model in Umuahia and other parts of Abia.

He disclosed that discussions with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) had advanced significantly, while the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency forms part of efforts to ensure stable power supply across the state and ultimately disconnect from dependence on the national grid.

“We believe that Geometric, at maximum capacity of 188 megawatts, would have excess capacity, and we can just wheel it to Umuahia and other parts of the State. And by God’s grace, in a few years, we should also guarantee 24 hours power supply in Umuahia and other local governments,” Otti said.

He noted that reliable electricity remains critical to industrial growth, as energy accounts for between 60 and 70 per cent of production costs for many manufacturers.

The governor revealed that a steel plant investor had already indicated interest in relocating operations to Abia because of the availability of stable power supply.

“I have already allocated five hectares of land for the plant to be close to Geometric. So, the plant is going to move,” he said.

On healthcare, Otti said Abia had consistently allocated 15 per cent of its annual budget to the sector over the past three years, second only to education, which received 20 per cent.

He said the state had refurbished 277 primary healthcare centres, with 135 already fully functional, while about 800 healthcare professionals had been recruited to strengthen service delivery.

According to him, seven general hospitals are currently being rebuilt, alongside ongoing improvements at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Specialist Hospital Amachara, and the Umunnato facility.

The governor, however, appealed for investment support toward the state’s proposed Medical City project.

“We have acquired 200 hectares for it. We have prepared it; we’ve built the road. But we need about $1.3 billion to put that in place,” he said.

Otti explained that the project is designed to reverse medical tourism and help retain part of the estimated $2 billion Nigerians spend annually on medical treatment abroad.

He also highlighted investment opportunities in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) located in Owaza, describing it as a strategic industrial hub supported by the area’s oil and gas resources.

The governor used the forum to showcase achievements of his administration, including the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of 414 roads covering about 864 kilometres, with another 82 roads spanning approximately 211 kilometres currently under construction.

He also pointed to ongoing upgrades at Ekeoha Market and Ariaria International Market, as well as efforts to modernise other commercial centres across the state.

Otti further noted that the state had launched 20 electric buses in December 2025, with another 20 buses expected from China, bringing the total fleet to 40 as the government works toward a target of 100 electric buses by the end of the year.

The governor said Abia has attracted significant investments in recent years, including over $320 million in agriculture from Presco Plc and Nimble Shaw, as well as a planned $100 million investment by KADJI Group in a production facility in Aba.

He added that the state is also pursuing major infrastructure projects, including an airport being developed in partnership with the Federal Government and a proposed seaport in Ukwa East Local Government Area, for which a feasibility study has been approved.

Otti thanked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating a platform that allowed other states to showcase investment opportunities and engage with global investors.

The summit attracted prominent dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, and CWEIC Chairman Lord Marland.