In a landmark development for local governance and infrastructure, the Abia State Government has successfully restored electricity to 33 communities within the Ukwa West Local Government Area. This intervention ends a debilitating nine-year total power outage that had crippled economic activity and diminished quality of life for residents. The formal switch-on ceremony in Obehie marks not just the return of light, but a significant pivot towards sustainable development in the region.
A Promise Fulfilled and a New Era of Reliability
Governor Alex Otti, addressing the community, framed the restoration as the fulfillment of a promise made in March 2025. His speech moved beyond mere celebration, offering a concrete vision for a reliable power future. Otti expressed unwavering confidence in the project’s sustainability, a confidence rooted in the partnership with Geometric Power Limited, led by Professor Bart Nnaji.
The governor’s assurance of 24-hour power supply is a bold departure from the typical erratic supply in many Nigerian regions. He anchored this promise on Nnaji’s proven track record, citing testimonials of uninterrupted supply for 120 days in other areas served by Geometric Power. This shift from grid-dependent power to a more resilient, privately managed system is a critical model for Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
Behind the Switch: Scale, Investment, and a Novel Power Model
The technical scope of the project, as detailed by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, reveals a substantial infrastructure overhaul. It involved:
- Rehabilitating 30 transformer distribution substations.
- Installing 12 new transformers.
- Restoring 34 kilometers of high-tension and 3.5 kilometers of low-tension lines.
- Deploying 33 transformers specifically for the Ukwa West area.
Professor Bart Nnaji provided crucial context, disclosing a staggering $800 million investment into Geometric Power. This underscores the immense capital required for serious power sector development. More importantly, he explained that power for this area will be generated independently of the national grid. This “embedded generation” model is a game-changer; it insulates these communities from nationwide system collapses and grid failures, providing a bedrock of stability rarely seen in the country.
Addressing Socio-Economic Realities and Security Challenges
The government demonstrated nuanced understanding of the community’s socio-economic fabric. Acknowledging that many residents are smallholder farmers in an oil-producing region—a contrast highlighting the resource curse paradox—Governor Otti announced a proactive social intervention. He mandated local officials to create a framework to support residents genuinely unable to pay their electricity bills, citing a precedent set in his own community. This move aims to ensure inclusivity and prevent the new infrastructure from becoming a financial burden on the poorest.
However, a significant shadow looms over the project: vandalism and energy theft. Nnaji revealed that a new 42-kilometre power line, intended to support local industries at a cost of N2 billion, had already been vandalised seven times during construction. This highlights a critical barrier to infrastructure sustainability in Nigeria. The repeated calls from the Governor, Nnaji, and the GM of ASOPADEC, Mr. Joshua Onyeike, for community vigilance and protection of public assets are not mere formalities but pleas essential for the project’s long-term survival.
Broader Implications: Catalyzing Development and Future Expectations
Officials framed the power restoration as more than a utility project; it is a catalyst for holistic development. Onyeike described it as a “symbol of progress and hope,” while the local lawmaker, Chief Godwin Adiele, linked it to anticipated road projects along Umezeke, Obokwe, and Ogwati routes. Reliable electricity unlocks potential for small businesses, improves healthcare and education through powered facilities, and enhances security with street lighting.
The project also sets a new benchmark for public-private partnership in Abia State. The collaboration between the state government and Geometric Power demonstrates how focused government policy can leverage private sector investment and expertise to solve entrenched problems. As metering continues for effective billing, the success of this model in Ukwa West will be closely watched as a potential blueprint for other regions languishing in darkness.
Edited by Sam Oditah. Source: NAN News.
