Governor Alex Otti Seeks Strategic Partnerships in Power Generation and Waste Management to Accelerate Abia’s Transformation

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has declared his administration’s readiness to partner with investors in the areas of power generation, transmission, and waste management as part of his drive to expand infrastructure and sustain environmental reforms across the state.

The Governor explained that while Aba Power through Geometric Power currently covers nine Local Government Areas, his administration is opening fresh opportunities for private sector collaboration in the remaining eight LGAs of Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, and Umunneochi.

Governor Otti, who spoke on Sunday, 21st September, during an audience with a delegation from INNOV Power Solutions led by its President, Engr. Mohammed Konate, said his administration had already put in place a regulatory framework that gives Abia full control over power-related engagements.

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

“There have been a lot of proposals on renewable energy, which are looking very attractive. If this is an area you are interested in, I think we are also 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. So I will let you further engage with the commissioner (for Power and Public Utilities and his team) so that we can work out how we can partner,” Governor Otti stated.

Turning to waste management, Governor Otti emphasized his administration’s achievements since declaring a state of emergency on waste shortly after taking office. He explained that Abia has made progress in clearing heaps of refuse that once littered major cities but stressed that a more sustainable solution remains a priority.

“Waste Management is an area that 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. We have had a few people come to make presentations. My experience is that there must be a sweetener for you,” Dr. Otti added.

Speaking on the possibility of converting waste to energy, the Governor noted: “Waste to power is becoming popular, but I have not seen anywhere that it was adjudged profitable. So, maybe you can do the magic. I heard you when you talked about byproducts. But, if it is power, anywhere it has worked, it is on subsidy. Going the next mile of what to do with waste is welcomed.”

Earlier, the President of INNOV Power Solutions, Engr. Mohammed Konate, said his company was impressed with Abia’s transformation under Governor Otti and is prepared to introduce innovative solutions in power and waste management that have not yet been deployed in Nigeria. He assured that such initiatives would position Abia as a shining example in embracing technology-driven development.

The Governor was joined at the meeting by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, and the Commissioner for Power & Public Utilities, E ngr. Ikechukwu Monday.