Abia Alex Otti Seeks Partnership On Power Generation For 8 LGAs, Eyes Permanent Waste Management Solutions

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, says his administration is open to strategic partnerships in power generation and transmission for the eight Local Government Areas not currently served by Aba Power—Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, and Umunneochi. Aba Power, through Geometric Power, presently generates and transmits electricity to Aba and its environs, covering nine LGAs.

Governor Otti made this known while receiving a delegation from INNOV Power Solutions, led by its President, Engr. Mohammed Konate, who flew in from the United States.

The Governor directed relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to deepen discussions with the visiting team, stressing that electricity generation remains pivotal:

“As we speak today, maybe Abia and a few other states have been able to set up a regulatory agency. That means everything now resides within Abia. We have a management board that has started work.

“There have been a lot of proposals on renewable energy, which are very attractive. If this is an area you are interested in, we are ready to work with you, just as we have opened our doors to other investors. But generation is so critical because if we do not have the power, there is nothing to transmit or distribute.”

Governor Otti also highlighted waste management as another priority, recalling that he declared a state of emergency on waste upon assuming office to clear refuse dumps that once defaced Abia’s major cities.

“Waste management is important to us. When we came in two years ago, we declared a state of emergency on waste management because it was a scourge here. We’ve been able to get a handle on it, but a permanent solution would be welcomed.

“Waste-to-power is becoming popular, but I have not seen anywhere it was adjudged profitable. Maybe you can do the magic. If it is power, anywhere it has worked, it is on subsidy. Going the next mile of what to do with waste is welcomed,” he added.

Earlier, Engr. Konate said INNOV Power Solutions is eager to partner with the state in power generation, transmission, and waste management, promising to introduce innovative technologies not yet deployed in Nigeria to make Abia “a shining light in embracing technology.”

He commended the Governor for the state’s rapid development, noting that his team had toured parts of Abia and would extend their visit to Aba.

Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, and the Commissioner for Power & Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday.