Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed the Electricity Bill into law, which marks a step toward energy independence and economic growth for the State.
The Electricity Bill, which was passed by the Abia State House of Assembly, aligns with the National Electricity Law passed under former President Muhammadu Buhari and is expected to revolutionize electricity generation, transmission and distribution in the State.
Speaking after signing the bill into law at Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the State Assembly for its swift and meticulous passage of the bill, noting that they provided valuable input throughout the legislative process.
The Governor while highlighting the importance of the bill, pointed out that Abia is the only State in Nigeria with a ring-fenced Power system, which integrates Power generation, transmission, and distribution within the State.
He acknowledged that the bill was carefully crafted to protect Aba Power’s investments and grant Government the necessary regulatory oversight.
Governor Otti disclosed that the legal framework for the bill was strengthened by the contributions of Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading law firm, which introduced novel provisions.
The Governor further revealed that additionally, over 15 energy experts from the United States, Canada, South East Asia, and Europe contributed to the 64-page document and offered their expertise pro bono in support of Abia’s Power Sector reform.
“This is the document that will stand the test of time. It is a document that will protect the investment of everyone that wants to invest in Abia.
“It is also a document that speaks renewable energy and the remaining Eight Local Government Areas in the State that are not under the Aba Ringed Fence, we are working hard to bring them under the Umuahia Ringed Fence.
“So this legislation would support that initiative and we are very close to signing an MoU moving forward in that direction. It also would protect prospective investors in Power generation”, the Governor assured
Governor Otti also expressed optimism that Abia would generate excess Power to supply other parts of the Southeast and creat a revenue stream for the State.
“Our dream is that if we are able to provide all the required power for Abia, then we will able to also wheel some Power to other parts of the Southeast to support them and earn some fees for doing that.
“I was engaging with Geometric the other time and they said with the capacity they have, they will be able to wheel Power to Umuahia from the plant and may be, some other parts of the Southeast without necessarily incuring additional costs other than getting a turbine and putting it in place because all the other infrastructure are already in place”, he stated.
Governor Otti disclosed that plans are already in motion to establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASCERA), which will oversee the enforcement and management of the new electricity framework and thanked the members of the 8th House of Assembly for their role in advancing the State’s Power Sector.
Presenting the bill for signing, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the Electricity bill as a milestone achievement adding that the bill would position the State on the right path and ceating significant business investment opportunities.
He further stated that the House of Assembly aligns with the Governor’s vision and remains committed to ensuring the successful realization of the Bill for the benefit of Abia people.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, in his remarks, noted that the law emanates from the Electricity Act 2023 which warrants States to form a Regulatory body to regulate and create an electricity market.
The Commissioner pointed out that the Government considered what would work specifically in Abia before crafting the bill and added that the bill provides for Power generation, mainstreaming, protection against vandalism, distribution and regulations among others.
He commended the Governor Otti for realizing the vision of providing independent power for the State which is part of his election manifesto.
