Aba Power lights a new era in the South-East

By Chidorum Nwakanma

Vice President Kashim Shettima made two crucial stops in the SouthEast on Monday, 27 February 2024, all connected with power and the region’s progress.

At Enugu, Shettima launched the South-East leg of the Light-Up Nigeria Project as part of the South-East Business Roundtable. Four governors of Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo supported him.

At Aba, Shettima commissioned the 181MW Geometric Power Plant that would serve the commercial city of Aba and a ring-fenced area covering nine of Abia State’s 17 local governments.

The optics of both occasions were brilliant and positive for the Federal and regional governments. Geometric Power in Aba attracted massive publicity and attention, and citizens ululated it for its significance and promise.

The 20-year trajectory of the Geometric Power Plant in Aba was part of the backdrop for the significant interest in the project. The project’s many sub-plots, twists and turns speak to resilience, entrepreneurial drive, sabotage, and overcoming obstacles.

Geometrics received a federal government concession to run an independent power operation to service Aba and a ring-fenced area off the area covered by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company. Enugu Electric refused to let go.

In that period, the project featured roles by many of the region’s power brokers. Former governor Orji Uzor Kalu received the expression of interest and allocated land for it. Governor Theodore Orji constructed the access road to the project site. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu invested Abia State’s $3.5mm for a three per cent stake.

Dr Benedict Oramah of Afreximbank kept faith with the vision of empowering Aba and the region.

Incumbent Governor Dr Alex Otti approved the initial loan of $75m for Geometrics as a director in First Bank. Still, the loan was only realised when he served as managing director at Diamond Bank.

WTO Director General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the former President of the World Bank, the late James Wolfensohn, inspired and triggered Nnaji to consider the project in the first instance.

Prof Barth Nnaji, an engineer and one-time Nigerian minister, is the promoter of the $800m project. Geometric Power Group will manage Nigeria’s first integrated independent power plant.

Geometric Power has a license to produce 188 MW. It has an embedded power plant to generate and distribute its power. While Geometric Power Aba Ltd (GPAL) develops, consumers will interface with Aba Power Limited Electrical (APLE), which would service Aba and the nine local governments.

The Significance

Aba Power will address a critical need. Aba, a major commercial and manufacturing hub in Southeast Nigeria, has been severely hampered by chronic power shortages. This new Geometric Power Plant addresses this critical infrastructural gap that has stunted productivity and development.

Geometric Power represents symbolic progress for the company, Aba, and the region. It confirms the region’s trajectory of private enterprise and the tradition of striking out against the standard run.

The commissioning of this plant represents a significant step towards reliable power supply in the region. It marks a tangible victory against crippling power problems, which have long frustrated residents and businesses alike.

Aba Power would potentially catalyse faster economic growth. Consistent power supply is crucial for industrialisation and sustainable business growth. Aba Power promises to attract new ventures, support the expansion of existing businesses, and create significant job opportunities.

It should improve the quality of life. Reliable electricity enhances residents’ overall quality of life in Aba and surrounding areas. With stable power, families can improve their daily lives, students can have more effective study hours, and businesses can thrive beyond daylight limits.

It could lead to demographic shifts and the expansion of Aba and increase its appeal and attraction. With regular power, Enyimba City would grow in interest and appeal among cities in the South of Nigeria.

The Potential

Aba Power would boost manufacturing in the city, renowned for innovatively cobbling things together. Aba Power can revitalise and supercharge this sector and transform this city into an even more productive regional hub.

It can expand Aba’s service sector. Improved power supply will allow growth in the service sector. Businesses in hospitality, entertainment, information technology, and many others can now operate with fewer restrictions and provide enhanced services.

A guaranteed power supply is vital in attracting foreign and domestic investment. Aba Power could position the city as an attractive destination for diverse economic ventures.

Aba Power’s success could be a successful model for other regions facing power challenges. This pilot could spark similar initiatives across Nigeria, catalysing more comprehensive improvements in the nation’s power sector.

Important Considerations

While Aba Power holds significant promise, vital factors will determine its long-term success. To achieve its full potential, the power plant needs sustainable revenue models for efficient operation, maintenance, and future expansion.

 Even with adequate generation, reliable distribution networks are essential to reach consumers effectively. Investments in transmission infrastructure must be prioritised.

Effective government, private sector, and local community collaboration will be critical for ongoing maintenance, security, and expansion efforts.

The commissioning of Aba Power’s first turbine represents a hopeful turning point in Aba’s history and a potential game-changer for the region’s socioeconomic development. The extent of its success depends on the ability to build on this momentum, address long-term sustainability, and invest heavily in associated infrastructure. Aba Power could ignite a transformative era of progress and prosperity in the Southeast if adequately nurtured.

Published on Brandfit


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