NEWS
Power Sector Reforms Gain Strong Momentum in Abia as Government Issues Licenses, Accelerates Ohafia Electrification, and Rolls Out Solar-Powered Transport Infrastructure
Abia State Government has recorded significant progress in the power sector, with strategic reforms and infrastructure projects positioning the state toward energy stability and sustainability.
In the area of power, Prince Kanu said that, the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), has issued three interim licenses to three companies, namely, New Era, Aba power and Geometric Power.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this on Monday at Government House Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Providing deeper insight into the administration’s coordinated push to reposition the energy landscape, Prince Kanu revealed that the Ohafia Power Restoration Project has reached 85% completion.
He expressed strong optimism that the project would meet its delivery timeline before the end of the second quarter of the year, marking a critical milestone in restoring stable electricity supply to the Ohafia axis and adjoining communities that have long grappled with inconsistent power.
The near-completion of the Ohafia project is widely seen as a strategic intervention aimed at boosting socio-economic activities in the region, enhancing small and medium-scale enterprises, and improving overall quality of life for residents.
Further highlighting the state’s forward-looking energy agenda, Prince Kanu disclosed that the installation of a 1.8 megawatt microgrid solar power project designed to power the central bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba respectively has commenced. The initiative represents a deliberate shift toward integrating clean and renewable energy into public infrastructure, while also strengthening the efficiency and reliability of the state’s transportation system.
According to him, “This is in line with the state government’s integrated energy transition program which is demonstrated in the acquisition of the EV buses for Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service Scheme.“
The solar-powered transport initiative not only aligns with global best practices in sustainable urban mobility but also reinforces Abia State’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing environmentally responsible development models.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, emphasized the broader impact of the reforms.
“On power, as we know, the electricity market of Abia State has taken off fully. And last week, the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority issued three interim licenses to three key companies within the state. Two distribution licenses and one generation license,“ Engr. Monday stated.
Industry observers note that the licensing of multiple operators within the state signals the emergence of a competitive and investor-friendly electricity market, capable of attracting private sector participation and driving innovation across the value chain.
The latest developments underscore Abia State’s deliberate and strategic push toward building a robust, investor-friendly electricity market, while simultaneously embracing innovative and sustainable energy solutions to meet growing demand, stimulate industrial growth, and support expanding economic activi
ties across the state.