Governor Otti Seeks EU Collaboration to Boost Power, Trade, and Infrastructure in Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fostering strategic collaborations with the European Union (EU) to drive economic and infrastructural development in the state. The governor made this known on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, while hosting a high-profile delegation from the EU led by the Head of Corporations, Mr. Massimo De Luca, who was on a working visit to Abia State.

As part of the visit, Governor Otti took the EU delegation on a comprehensive tour across various sectors of the state, including the flag-off of critical road projects in Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa Local Government Areas. The engagement continued on Thursday, February 13, 2025, as the governor led the delegation to the Aba Integrated Power Project, where discussions centered on the state's industrial power needs and potential EU investments.

Key Areas of Collaboration with the EU

Governor Otti identified several priority areas where Abia State seeks EU intervention, including:

2. Power and Energy: Strengthening the state's energy sector through partnerships that will enhance the supply of stable electricity.

3. Public Water Restoration: Revitalization of public water schemes to ensure potable water access across the state.

4. Health and Agriculture: Improving healthcare infrastructure and boosting agricultural productivity through modernized farming techniques.

5. Trade and Industrial Growth: Facilitating access to raw materials for Aba's manufacturing hub, standardizing locally made products for global export, and positioning Abia as a top destination for investors.

Governor Otti Applauds Geometric Power for Advancing Energy Stability

During the tour of the Aba Integrated Power Project operated by Geometric Power, Governor Otti commended the company for its steady progress in delivering reliable electricity to the Aba metropolis. Speaking at the facility, the governor expressed optimism about the impact of the power plant on the state's economy.

"I am pleased with the progress Geometric Power has made. If you have 75 megawatts running, it means there's still potential capacity that can be utilized. If the third turbine is brought online, we are looking at over 90 megawatts. This is a crucial step toward industrializing Abia State," Governor Otti stated.

The governor further urged Geometric Power to redirect excess energy to Umuahia instead of sending it to the national grid, emphasizing that discussions with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) were ongoing to facilitate this arrangement.

"We are in discussions regarding acquiring the Umuahia section of the power distribution network. This will allow us to harness excess power locally rather than losing it to the national grid. Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman of Geometric Power) agrees that this is a profitable and strategic move," he added.

Reviving Abia's Industrial Landscape

Governor Otti highlighted the dire state of Aba's once-thriving industrial sector, citing the collapse of Star Paper Mill due to inconsistent power supply. He assured stakeholders that efforts were in motion to revive the factory and other dormant industries.

"For over six months, we've been working on revitalizing Star Paper Mill. We are in the final stages of evaluation with AMCON, and I am confident that before the year ends, we will make tangible progress," Governor Otti said.

EU Delegation's Perspective

The leader of the EU delegation, Mr. Massimo De Luca, affirmed the EU's interest in exploring partnership opportunities in Abia State. He stated that their focus was on identifying investment areas that could drive sustainable economic growth.

"We are here to evaluate different forms of distribution, franchising models, and investment strategies that will make Abia a model for other Nigerian states," De Luca remarked.

Geometric Power's Commitment to Expanding Energy Infrastructure

The Managing Director of Aba Integrated Power Project, Barr. Ugo Opiegbe, disclosed that the company has developed a 141-megawatt gas-fired power plant and an integrated distribution network. He added that peak power production has already exceeded 75 megawatts and that four brand-new injection substations have been installed to enhance electricity distribution.

"We appreciate Governor Otti's support since our commissioning last year. His visit today further strengthens our confidence in achieving our long-term vision for Aba and Abia State," Barr. Opiegbe noted.

The facility tour had in attendance members of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Osisioma North, Osisioma South, and Aba North, as well as Commissioners, Special Advisers, Mayors, and other top government officials.