The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has forged a strategic partnership with TransAfam Power to bring 50 megawatts of embedded power to Abuja’s Idu industrial cluster, marking a pivotal move to revitalize economic activities in the area.
Located within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the Idu industrial zone was originally conceived as a magnet for industries in the nation’s capital. However, its potential has been hindered by inadequate infrastructure, including poor roads, unreliable electricity, and security challenges, which have led to the closure of factories and offices.
Vincent Ozoude, Managing Director of TransAfam, and Chijioke Okwuokenye, Acting CEO of AEDC, finalized the agreement at the Accelerated Scale-Up of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources Summit organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. Okwuokenye’s recent appointment underpins AEDC’s renewed focus on customer-centricity within the power sector.
Since acquiring a majority stake by a Transcorp-led consortium in May 2023, AEDC has intensified efforts to modernise its infrastructure, expand distribution networks, and incorporate advanced technologies for improved operational efficiency. TransAfam Power, a subsidiary of Transcorp Group and a key player in Nigeria’s power sector will play a crucial role in this transformation.
Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Transcorp, emphasized that this partnership will enable AEDC to generate power locally, reducing dependency on the national grid and meeting regulatory obligations for local power generation. This initiative marks a significant stride towards providing stable and sustainable electricity across Nigeria, bolstering economic growth and prosperity.
Defisayo Akinsanya, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at AEDC, highlighted that the agreement will fulfil 82% of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s requirements for embedded power generation, ensuring consistent and reliable electricity supply to the Idu cluster. This development underscores AEDC’s commitment to enhancing the power sector landscape and reducing reliance on centralized grid systems.
The collaboration between AEDC and TransAfam Power represents an essential moment in Nigeria’s quest for a robust electricity supply aligned with the principles of Africapitalism. It promises to transform the Idu industrial cluster into a thriving hub of economic activity powered by sustainable and locally generated electricity, paving the way for broader economic resurgence and development.