Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration's dedication to enhancing electricity supply within the state through strategic partnerships and reforms in the power sector. This commitment was expressed during a meeting with Jennifer Adighije, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), at the Government House in Umuahia.

Governor Otti lauded the NDPHC for successfully restoring operations at the 450MW Alaoji Open Circuit Power Plant. This restoration followed essential remedial works and the resolution of issues with gas suppliers, bringing the plant's generation to nearly 400 megawatts. Otti emphasized the critical role of power infrastructure in economic growth, stating, “Power is one of the most important infrastructures for driving growth in any economy. Production depends on power. Life itself depends on power. Schools, hospitals, everybody requires power.”

The revitalized Alaoji plant is expected to significantly bolster the state's efforts to improve electricity availability, particularly for the Umuahia power market currently under development by the state government. Furthermore, Otti disclosed that the Abia State Government has finalized an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire electricity distribution assets covering parts of the state. The acquisition is currently in the payment stage.

“Once completed, and with the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, we will have the framework necessary to drive efficient power distribution within the State,” the governor added. The state is also investing in renewable energy and mini-grid projects to diversify its energy sources and ensure a stable electricity supply.

Jennifer Adighije, MD/CEO of NDPHC, confirmed that three generating units at the Alaoji plant have been restored, making approximately 375 megawatts available for the national grid. She noted that the plant had been inactive since 2023 due to gas supply and metering discrepancies. NDPHC undertook rehabilitation and settled outstanding obligations to gas suppliers to bring the plant back online.

Adighije expressed NDPHC's readiness to collaborate with the Abia State Government under the provisions of the Electricity Act. “As the largest power generation company in Nigeria with over 4,000 megawatts installed capacity, we are aggressively pursuing strategic partnerships with State governments and eligible customers. We believe Abia State presents a strong and viable partnership opportunity,” she stated.

Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribeole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu.