Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, granting the state authority over its electricity market
During the signing ceremony held yesterday at his residence in Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, Otti explained that the new legislation empowers the government to enforce its provisions and establish regulatory structures.
The governor announced plans to set up the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) to oversee power-related activities in the state. He emphasized that the 64-page legislation is designed to support the government’s long-term energy initiatives and ensure their sustainability.
A key aspect of the bill is its role in expanding electricity access to the remaining eight council areas not covered by the Aba ring-fence arrangement with Geometric Power Limited. The existing agreement currently serves nine council areas.
“This is a document that will stand the test of time. It will protect the investment of everyone who wants to invest in Abia. It also speaks about renewable energy,” Otti said.
He revealed efforts to bring the remaining eight local government areas under the Umuahia ring-fence initiative, stating, “This legislation supports that initiative, and we are close to signing an MoU to move forward in that direction. It also protects prospective investors in power generation.”
Otti expressed confidence in Abia’s potential to supply electricity beyond its borders. “If we are able to provide all the required power for Abia, we can also wheel some power to other parts of the Southeast and South-South regions and earn revenue,” he said.
He noted that work on the bill began in late 2023, following the passage of the Electricity Act at the national level under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. According to him, Abia’s unique ring-fence arrangement made it well-positioned for such a law.
“There is embedded power left, right, and center, but Aba Power remains the only independent and fully integrated power system—from generation through transmission to distribution,” Otti explained.
He added that discussions with Geometric Power indicate the possibility of supplying electricity to Umuahia and other parts of the Southeast with minimal additional infrastructure.
The governor commended the Abia State House of Assembly for the swift passage of the bill and acknowledged the contributions of development partners.
“I want to thank the State House of Assembly for passing this executive bill quickly but carefully. Abia is fortunate to have the 8th Assembly, composed of well-educated and exposed individuals,” he stated.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who presented the bill to the governor, described it as a milestone that would attract business investments and align with the state’s economic growth strategy.
Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, highlighted that the bill was crafted in line with the Electricity Act of 2023, which empowers states to regulate their electricity markets.
“We carefully considered Abia’s needs before drafting the bill. It includes provisions for power generation, protection against vandalism, and regulatory frameworks,” Monday said.
He confirmed that ASERA would be established soon and praised the governor’s commitment to delivering independent power as part of his electoral promises.
“This law is an offshoot of the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to regulate and create an electricity market. It also encourages local participation and content,” he added.
Monday expressed appreciation to the governor, the speaker, and development partners for their support in making the legislation a reality.
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