EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD
In a bold and visionary move, Governor Alex Chioma Otti has taken a decisive step toward resolving one of Abia State’s most enduring developmental challenges—access to steady, reliable electricity. Through his administration’s strategic push to acquire a 60% equity stake in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) as it operates within Abia State, Governor Otti is not merely seeking to fix power supply; he is laying the foundation for a full-scale economic transformation anchored on industrialization, MSME growth, and inclusive development.
This engagement with Interstate Electrics, the parent company of EEDC, marks a significant shift from passive advocacy to a hands-on, investment-driven approach. For the first time, the Abia State Government is asserting its intention to not just participate in, but co-own and reform a critical utility. The objective is clearly to make reliable power the bedrock of a new economic agenda especially in underserved regions such as Abia North and parts of Abia Central, which are not currently covered by Geometric Power.
Governor Otti’s vision aligns seamlessly with his administration’s well-articulated focus on industrialization and the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs). Electricity is the oxygen of modern industry—whether it’s processing agricultural produce, driving local manufacturing, or fueling the creative and digital economies. For MSMEs which form the backbone of Abia’s economy, steady electricity means lower operational costs, higher productivity, business sustainability, and massive job creation.
More than a shareholding arrangement, this acquisition represents a bid for strategic control; one that allows the government to reform, invest in, and expand power infrastructure according to Abia’s development blueprint. The administration is already in advanced negotiations, and Governor Otti has emphasized transparency, fairness, and a people-first approach as the guiding principles in finalizing the deal.
Importantly, this initiative is not just about economic growth; it is about equitable development. By targeting areas long neglected in energy access, Governor Otti is reaffirming his commitment to a balanced, all-inclusive development agenda. In his view, electricity is not a luxury but a right and a fundamental driver of growth that no community in Abia should lack.
The seriousness of this initiative is underscored by the active involvement of top government officials, including the Commissioners for Power, Finance, and Justice. The Hon. Commissioner for Power, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, captured the essence of the move succinctly—guaranteeing reliable electricity to unlock the State’s manufacturing and industrial potential.
Ultimately, Governor Otti’s electricity acquisition initiative is not just a power sector reform but an economic masterstroke. It reflects a government that is proactive, visionary, and focused on building the hard infrastructure needed to drive sustained development. This bold move is a model worthy of emulation by other state governments across Nigeria, reaffirming that with purposeful leadership, subnational entities can indeed shape their destinies.
Abia is not just seeking electricity—it is powering its future.
– Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.
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