NEWS
GOV. ALEX OTTI FLAGS OFF DUAL 15MVA POWER PROJECTS IN UMUAHIA, A MAJOR PUSH TO END YEARS OF ELECTRICITY SHORTAGE IN THE CAPITAL CITY
…as Gov. Otti Says State Govt. has Finalized 
Arrangements With Heirs Holdings to Ensure Steady and Uninterrupted Gas Supply to Aba Power Limited to Boost Electricity Production.
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for two major 15 MVA injection substations designed to dramatically boost electricity supply in Umuahia and surrounding communities.
The projects, each with a capacity of 7.5 MVA, comprise a Federal Government initiative under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and another being fully executed by the Abia State Government as captured in the 2026 budget proposal. Both substations, to be sited side-by-side at Ogurube Layout, are expected to significantly ease the long-standing overload on existing power lines within the capital city.
Addressing the crowd during the event, Governor Otti said the project reflects his administration’s strategic, long-term commitment to solving the state’s power crisis once and for all. He noted that the state government had already anticipated the NDPHC project and incorporated a parallel substation into its upcoming budget, stating, “We thought ahead of them (NDPHC). And we included it in the proposed 2026 budget, which is before the House of Assembly, to complement NDPHC by installing, by the side here, another 7.5 MVA injection substation.”
The Governor assured that the state-executed project would be completed within three months (January to March 2026). He urged the NDPHC contractor to shorten their delivery timeline to six months to ensure both projects are commissioned simultaneously by June 2026. He also lauded the President for broadening electricity sector reforms to include state governments, private investors, and international partners, allowing for wider development opportunities in the sector.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NDPHC, led by Managing Director Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for prioritizing Abia in its infrastructure rollout.
According to him, “This gesture has further strengthened our conviction in the power of partnership as a reliable development vehicle.
“Let me promptly assure the decision makers at the NDPHC that the Abia State Government shall leverage every resource at its disposal to see to the timely actualization and activation of these projects in ways that would serve the economic and social needs of the community.”
He further disclosed that the State Government has finalized arrangements with Heirs Holdings to ensure steady and uninterrupted gas supply to Aba Power Limited to boost electricity production.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, reaffirmed the legislature’s unwavering support for the Governor’s development vision.
“What we are seeing here today is exactly what has been going on since the inception of this government. Your Excellency.
“We will continue to support you with whatever legislation you want us to do to enhance your programmes,” he said.
The honourable Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, described the project as a crucial intervention to decongest overstretched power lines serving the Umuahia area. He emphasized that, as at today “the feed that feeds this particular area is overloaded” and noted that the Governor consistently maintains that “if we don’t solve the problem of power, we will not achieve the transformative programme, which we have planned.”
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and former federal lawmaker Hon. Oluchi Udo Ibeji also commended the Governor for attracting such a strategic project, noting that no meaningful economic development can occur without stable electricity and that power remains the foundation for sustainable development.
Representing the NDPHC Managing Director, Executive Director (Networks) Engineer Bello Babayo Bello outlined the components to be delivered, including a 7.5MVA, 33/11KV Injection Substation, 1KM of 33KV Line, 1.2KM of 11KV Line, installation of two 300KVA distribution substations, and deployment of 2KM of Low Tension (LT) Line. He described the groundbreaking as a major milestone in strengthening national power infrastructure, enhancing industrial productivity, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The ceremony was attended by the top government officials.
With these dual projects now underway, Umuahia moves closer to achieving reliable electricity supply, a key requirement for industrial growth, small business expansion, and improved living conditions for residents.