Amid persistent instability and repeated collapses of Nigeria’s National Grid, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has declared that the state is deliberately positioning itself for total energy sufficiency and independence.
The Governor disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, noting that Abia is insulating itself from nationwide power failures through investments in renewable energy and by assuming full regulatory control over its electricity market.
A key component of the strategy, according to Otti, is a pilot biogas programme recently launched at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The initiative is designed to convert organic waste into clean, renewable energy capable of powering major parts of the state.
“We’re launching a pilot biogas programme at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The whole idea is to turn waste into clean energy and provide Abia with renewable energy from biogas,” Otti said.
He explained that instead of disposing organic waste, the state will harness it using modern technology to generate electricity, particularly to support the Umuahia ring-fence and surrounding areas.
Beyond renewable energy, the Governor confirmed that the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority officially took over power regulation from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on December 24. This move grants the state full authority over electricity generation, distribution, and transmission within its borders.
Otti further revealed that Abia’s bid to acquire electricity distribution assets from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has been accepted, with efforts underway to raise funds to complete the purchase.
“The whole idea is to ensure energy sufficiency and independence in the state, just like the Aba Power provides power for the Aba ring-fence,” he said.
The Governor noted that these investments have already yielded results, as Abia was unaffected by recent national grid collapses that plunged many states into darkness.
Nigeria’s power grid reportedly crashed again on Tuesday, the second time in four days, underscoring the urgency of Abia’s decentralised energy approach.
Leave a comment