Against the backdrop of repeated disruptions on Nigeria’s National Grid, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced that the state is steadily moving towards complete energy self-reliance. He explained that Abia is taking deliberate steps to shield itself from nationwide power outages by investing in organic waste-to-energy projects and exercising full regulatory authority over its electricity sector.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House on Thursday, Otti disclosed that a key element of the plan is a pilot biogas initiative introduced at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. According to him, the project is designed to convert organic waste into clean, renewable energy capable of supplying power to several areas, especially within the Umuahia ring-fence. He noted that instead of discarding organic waste, the state intends to harness it through modern technology to generate sustainable energy.
The Governor also confirmed that the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority officially assumed responsibility for regulating electricity from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on December 24.As part of efforts to deepen the state’s autonomy in the power sector, Otti stated that negotiations for the acquisition of electricity assets had been concluded and accepted by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, which currently manages power supply in the state. He added that the government is in the process of mobilising funds to complete payment for the assets.
He further explained that with the transfer of regulatory powers, all aspects of electricity distribution, generation and transmission will now be overseen within the state, with the aim of achieving energy independence similar to what Aba Power provides within the Aba ring-fence.
Despite the frequent collapses of Nigeria’s National Grid in recent months, which have triggered widespread blackouts, Otti said Abia has largely been spared due to its investments in locally controlled power infrastructure. He noted that the state was unaffected by some recent grid failures because a significant portion of its power assets operates under state authority, adding that progress is being made towards fully acquiring the Umuahia ring-fence. PUNCH reports that the national power grid collapsed again on Tuesday, the second incident within four days.
Source: https://punchng.com/
