Aba, Abia State’s commercial and industrial hub, is experiencing a significant improvement in electricity supply, with businesses, hospitals, educational institutions, and households reporting reduced energy costs and improved operations following the completion of the Aba Integrated Power Project.
The transformation is linked to Geometric Power Limited’s integrated electricity generation and distribution system, which received a crucial $50 million completion financing facility from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
According to a report by THISDAY, the funding helped revive the approximately $900 million project after years of delays associated with political and ownership disputes.
The improved electricity supply is reportedly enabling manufacturers to increase production, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and operate for longer hours.
At Fineporter Nigeria Limited, a manufacturer of plaster of Paris (POP) products for ceilings and interior decorations, the company’s manager, Miss Vivian Aneke, said consistent electricity supply had increased production from 40 per cent to 75 per cent.
Similarly, the Chairman of Damson Industries, Mr David Mmadueke, said his company had operated without diesel generators since switching to Aba Power, except during periods of gas shortages that affect electricity supply.
At Aba North Shoe Plaza, which houses more than 2,000 shops involved in shoe production and related businesses, the president, Mr Obioma Onyebuchi, said the plaza had enjoyed steady electricity since connecting to Aba Power on January 14.
He noted that businesses had stopped relying on petrol and diesel generators, adding that customers had been provided with meters.
Other business operators in Aba have also reported improvements in their ability to plan operations and reduce energy expenses because of more dependable electricity supply.
The impact of the improved electricity supply extends beyond commercial activities to healthcare, education, and household living conditions.
The Administrator of Living World Mission Hospital, Mr Charles Mazi, said the hospital’s energy costs had fallen by 40 per cent following its connection to Aba Power.
He added that reliable electricity had enabled the hospital to keep its equipment operational and improve the delivery of healthcare services.
At Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, formerly Abia State Polytechnic, the Provost, Dr Kalu Okoro, said the institution’s energy expenses had reportedly dropped by 80 per cent.
Okoro explained that the improved supply had supported research activities and enhanced teaching and learning.
He also noted that reduced dependence on generators could help limit exposure to harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide.
For households, the change has also brought financial relief. A resident, Mrs Ada Ngozi Greg-Ilobinso, said her household’s monthly energy expenses had dropped from approximately ₦600,000 on diesel to about ₦75,000 using Aba Power.
She explained that more reliable electricity had made it easier to preserve food, manage household activities, and reduce wastage.
However, recent electricity interruptions lasting several days due to gas shortages reportedly forced some customers to return temporarily to diesel generators, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable fuel supply.
The Aba Integrated Power Project was conceived following discussions in 2003 about the electricity challenges facing small and medium sized businesses in Aba.
The project was developed by Geometric Power under the leadership of Professor Barth Nnaji, with the goal of providing reliable and environmentally responsible electricity to support industrial and economic growth.
However, ownership disputes and other challenges following the power sector privatisation process in 2013 contributed to prolonged delays.
According to Geometric Power Group’s Group Managing Director, Mrs Agatha Nnaji, Afreximbank’s $50 million financing was instrumental in enabling the project’s completion and commissioning.
She said the bank recognised Aba’s potential as a major industrial centre and supported the project after assessing its commercial prospects.
The overall investment was put at more than $900 million, which the company described as a major private sector investment in South-East Nigeria.
Geometric Power operates an integrated electricity generation and distribution system through Geometric Power Aba Limited and Aba Power Limited Electric.
The company holds a licence to generate 188 megawatts of electricity and has installed generating capacity of 141 megawatts in its first phase, using three gas turbines rated at 47 megawatts each.
The company says it is laying the groundwork for a fourth turbine to increase generating capacity to the licensed 188 megawatts.
Its gas supply infrastructure includes a dedicated 27 kilometre pipeline from Owaza to Osisioma, supplying gas for power generation.
Despite the progress, challenges remain, including gas shortages, ageing infrastructure, equipment maintenance, and the need to extend reliable electricity to more communities.
Geometric Power is also exploring expansion into underserved areas, including parts of Rivers State, and discussions are reportedly ongoing about extending electricity supply to additional local government areas in Abia State.
The company has further suggested that the integrated power model could be replicated in other commercially viable industrial centres across Nigeria, provided adequate financing, reliable fuel supply, and supportive regulatory arrangements are in place.
The developments in Aba highlight the potential of private-sector investment and development finance to strengthen electricity supply, reduce business operating costs, and support industrial growth.
For manufacturers, healthcare providers, schools, and households, sustained improvements in electricity reliability could translate into increased productivity, better services, and improved living standards.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
