BREAKING NEWS: GOV. OTTI SIGNS ABIA STATE ELECTRICITY BILL INTO LAW

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, thereby empowering the state to regulate its own electricity market.

Speaking while assenting to the executive bill, Governor Otti stated that with this new law, the executive arm of government now has the capacity to implement and enforce electricity regulations. He also announced that the state would soon establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA).

The governor emphasized that the 64-page law would support the state’s power initiatives and stand the test of time. He noted that it would strengthen the government’s plan to extend electricity to the remaining eight (8) local government areas (LGAs) not yet covered by the Aba ring-fence—a power distribution arrangement facilitated by Geometric Power, which currently supplies electricity to nine (9) LGAs.

“This is a document that will stand the test of time. It will protect the investments of everyone who wants to invest in Abia. It also promotes the use of renewable energy,” Governor Otti stated.

He further disclosed that the government is working on bringing the remaining eight (8) LGAs under the Umuahia ring-fence to ensure stable electricity supply.

“This legislation supports that initiative, and we are very close to signing an MoU to move forward in that direction. It will also protect prospective investors in power generation.

“In fact, our dream is that if we can generate sufficient electricity for Abia, we will be able to supply power to other parts of the Southeast and earn revenue from it.”

Governor Otti recounted how the state developed the bill, explaining that it was initiated towards the end of 2023 following the passage of the Electricity Act 2023 by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It appears that the legal framework was designed with Abia in mind because Abia is likely the only state that has a ring-fence electricity system. I am not aware of any other state with a similar arrangement.

“Of course, embedded power projects exist across the country, but Aba Power is the only fully integrated independent power project—covering generation, transmission, and distribution.

“I recently engaged with Geometric Power, and they assured me that they have the capacity to extend electricity supply to Umuahia and possibly other parts of the Southeast without incurring significant additional costs, aside from installing an extra turbine. This is because the necessary infrastructure is already in place.”

Governor Otti commended the Abia State House of Assembly for the speedy but meticulous passage of the bill. He also appreciated development partners for their contributions to the achievement.

“I want to thank the Abia State House of Assembly for promptly passing this executive bill while ensuring careful legislative scrutiny.

“I must put on record that Abia State is fortunate to have the 8th Assembly—a legislative body made up of well-exposed and highly educated individuals from various fields.”

Presenting the bill for signing, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the legislation as a milestone achievement. He stated that the bill represents a significant business investment for the state and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the governor’s vision for Abia.

Speaking on the bill, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, explained that Abia State leveraged the Electricity Act 2023, which grants states the authority to legislate on electricity matters. He noted that the state carefully designed the bill to suit Abia’s specific needs.

He also highlighted key provisions of the law, including: Power generation and mainstreaming, Protection against vandalism, Electricity distribution and regulation. Additionally, he confirmed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) would soon be established.

The commissioner praised Governor Otti for his visionary leadership in making independent power supply a reality in Abia—fulfilling a key promise from his election manifesto. He also thanked the Speaker of the House of Assembly and development partners for their collaborative efforts in achieving this milestone.

“This law is derived from the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to establish a regulatory body and create an electricity market. It will also encourage local participation and the development of local content in the sector.

“We have made provisions in the law to ensure that Abians actively participate in the electricity market.

“May I use this medium to thank His Excellency, Governor Otti, for the unwavering support he provided to my team and our partners to make this milestone a reality,” he concluded.