Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to provide round-the-clock electricity across the state through a strategy that would significantly reduce dependence on Nigeria’s national power grid.
Speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit, Otti said his administration intends to build on the success of Geometric Power, which currently supplies electricity to Aba and surrounding areas through the Aba Integrated Power Project.
According to the governor, the state plans to expand power generation capacity by adding an additional 125-megawatt turbine to existing infrastructure. He stated that the expansion would increase available generation capacity to approximately 266 megawatts, a level he believes would be sufficient to meet Abia’s electricity needs while creating the potential to supply excess power beyond the state.
Otti argued that reliable electricity is central to economic development, noting that energy costs account for a significant share of manufacturing expenses. He estimated that between 60 and 70 percent of production costs in many industries are linked to energy consumption, making stable and affordable power a critical factor in attracting investment.
The governor said improved electricity availability would support industrial growth, encourage new businesses to establish operations in the state, and enhance the competitiveness of existing manufacturers.
Beyond the power sector, Otti highlighted other achievements of his administration, including road infrastructure projects, transportation reforms, and investments in healthcare. He stated that hundreds of road projects have been completed or are under construction, while plans are underway to introduce electric buses as part of efforts to modernize public transportation.
The governor also emphasized what he described as improvements in healthcare delivery and broader efforts to position Abia as an attractive destination for investors.
Otti’s remarks come amid increasing interest in state-level energy solutions following constitutional and regulatory reforms that have given states greater opportunities to participate in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
Energy experts note that Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges have encouraged several states to explore independent power projects and localized energy systems as alternatives to sole reliance on the national grid.
If successfully implemented, Abia’s plan could become one of the most ambitious state-led electricity initiatives in the country and potentially serve as a model for other states seeking to improve power supply and stimulate economic growth.
The governor framed the initiative as part of a broader vision of subnational development, arguing that states must increasingly drive economic transformation through innovation, infrastructure investment, and strategic partnerships.
As implementation progresses, investors and policymakers will be watching closely to see whether Abia can translate its electricity ambitions into sustained industrial expansion and economic growth.
