Our reporter/ Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, on Monday signed the state’s electricity bill into law, thereby empowering the state to regulate its electricity market.
Otti, while speaking at the signing ceremony, said the legislation, initiated by the executive, received a swift passage by the Abia house of assembly.
“This law will ensure that we protect the investments made by Aba Power while granting the government the latitude to regulate,” Otti said.
“It is a document that will stand the test of time, protecting existing and prospective investors in the energy sector.”
The governor disclosed that the bill benefited from the input of 15 international power experts from the United States, Canada, south-east Asia, and Europe, who contributed their expertise pro bono.
He added that Banwo and Ighodalo, a Nigerian law firm, refined the bill’s legal framework before it was enacted.
According to Otti, Abia has a unique electricity framework, with a ring-fenced power system covering Aba south, Aba north, Osisioma, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa east, Ukwa west, Isiala Ngwa south, and Isiala Ngwa north local government areas (LGAs).
He said the state’s independent power initiative, Aba Power Limited, has been under development for two decades and now serves as a model for power infrastructure in Nigeria.
With the new law in place, the governor said efforts are already underway to integrate the remaining eight LGAs into a new Umuahia ring-fence, ensuring stable electricity across the state.
He further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Geometric Power, the parent company of Aba Power Limited, to expand electricity distribution beyond Aba.
Otti also announced plans to establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) to ensure an efficient and investor-friendly power sector.
He commended the 8th house of assembly for its diligence in reviewing and passing the bill, noting that the legislation positions Abia as a top destination for private investment in power generation.
The governor also hinted at the possibility of Abia supplying electricity to other south-eastern states, creating an additional revenue stream.
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