The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has described the Aba Independent Power Project (IPP), developed by Geometric Power as world-class, commending it as a model of innovation for tackling Nigeria’s energy challenges.
Ambassador Mills made the remark after leading a delegation of senior U.S. embassy officials on a tour of the company’s metering infrastructure and power plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.
“This is world-class, reflecting the kind of innovation and commitment needed to address Nigeria’s energy challenges”, the envoy said.
During the visit, the delegation inspected General Electric turbines installed at the plant, as well as, the company’s state-of-the-art Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system used to manage electricity distribution across Geometric Power’s 30 feeders.
The team was also shown the firm’s specially designed steel tubular poles, built to the same standard as those in San Francisco, USA, and Tokyo, Japan. Although Aba and its environs are not prone to earthquakes, the poles are buried 10 metres underground to ensure resilience against extreme conditions.
Professor Bart Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power and a former Minister of Power, explained that the company adopted international best practices to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply within its ring-fenced area, which covers nine of Abia’s 17 local government areas.
He also disclosed that Geometric Power is collaborating with international partners to develop additional power projects aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
Ambassador Mills further praised the company’s integrated business model, which makes it the only power firm in Nigeria that both generates and distributes electricity within a dedicated area. “Nigerians are globally known for their creativity and talent. This power plant is a perfect example of that”, he said.
The envoy further lauded Geometric Power’s training collaborations with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), describing them as vital for sustaining the company’s long-term growth.
The U.S. delegation included Rick Swart, Consul General in Lagos, Mike Ervin, Chief of Political and Economic Section at the Embassy and Julie McKay, Chief of Public Diplomacy.
