- Professor Bart Nnaji of Geometric Power predicts Abia State will become Nigeria’s electricity hub with significant power plants and investments in the Aba Ring-fenced Area.
- The state is set to benefit from a $410 million World Bank loan for solar grids, as international consultants and local officials praise Geometric Power’s $800 million investment in the region.
According to Professor Bart Nnaji, former Minister of Power and current chairman of Geometric Power, Abia State is on track to become Nigeria’s electricity hub. Nnaji made this statement during a visit from a team of international electricity consultants to Geometric Power’s headquarters in Aba, Abia State.
Nnaji highlighted two major power plants set to be constructed within the Aba Ring-fenced Area, which covers nine of Abia’s 17 local government areas. One of these plants is a joint venture between General Electric (GE) and Geometric Power. Located in Ukwa West LGA, the plant will have a capacity of 1,080 megawatts and is the first GE signed with a local company. However, progress has been stalled due to a suspension by the Federal Government of the World Bank’s partial risk guarantee for power purchase agreements over five years ago.
The visiting team of consultants included Nico Peterschmidt and Dipta Majumdar from INENUS and Rajesh Kumar Jain from the International Solar Alliance, which provides for over 100 countries. Peterschmidt explained that the team is in Nigeria to help implement mini solar grids in underserved areas, supported by a $410 million World Bank loan allocated to subnational entities for solar energy projects. Abia State is positioned as among the first to benefit from this funding.
Nnaji committed to collaborating with the government to advance Abia’s electricity plans and establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Commission. He commended Governor Alex Otti for his support of Geometric Power and noted that the company’s involvement is crucial for the success of the new electricity initiatives in the state.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engineer Ikechukwu Monday, praised Nnaji’s positive approach to the electricity projects in Abia, contrasting it with resistance in other states. He highlighted the challenges of providing electricity to remote communities and the necessity of Geometric Power’s role in the state’s plans.
Ugo Opiegbe, Managing Director of Aba Power, outlined significant investments made by the firm, including constructing five new substations, refurbishing three existing ones, and installing 150,000 kilometres of overhead wires. Aba Power has also expanded its network and improved metering, with 30% of customers now metered compared to just 5% at the takeover.
The international consultants and Abia State officials expressed their satisfaction with Geometric Power’s extensive investments, estimated at $800 million, which make it the largest investment in Nigeria’s Southeast region.