With such collaborative efforts, the country moves closer to achieving a more stable and sustainable electricity supply, ultimately enhancing economic growth and industrial development.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – In a significant move to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the National Assembly to advance renewable energy solutions.
The governor made this commitment during a courtesy visit from members of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy at his Aba country home on Saturday.
Governor Otti emphasised the urgency of resolving the nation’s power crisis and lauded the 10th House of Representatives, led by Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, for prioritising the issue.
He highlighted his administration’s early efforts to rehabilitate Aba’s critical infrastructure, particularly in environmental sanitation, electricity, and roads, to unlock the city’s vast industrial potential.
To bolster electricity supply in the region, Governor Otti revealed that the state government had entered into an agreement with Geometric Power, a private electricity distribution firm.
Additionally, the Abia State Assembly passed the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Bill, which the governor subsequently signed into law. These initiatives have resulted in Aba and its environs enjoying up to 24 hours of electricity, with a steady supply of approximately 80 megawatts from Geometric Power.
Expressing his administration’s commitment to renewable energy, Governor Otti pledged full participation in the upcoming Legislative Summit on Renewable Energy, organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy. Scheduled to take place in Lagos from May 5 to 7, 2025, the summit aims to foster collaborative efforts in ensuring energy security for the nation.
Earlier, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy and representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, outlined the summit’s objectives.
He noted that the gathering would bring together lawmakers, stakeholders, and experts to formulate policies and programmes aimed at enhancing renewable energy growth and modernising Nigeria’s power grid.
Hon. Ogene disclosed that key stakeholders from both local and international arenas have confirmed their participation, including parliamentary representatives from Ghana, South Africa, and Gambia, as well as experts from the Netherlands.
He also noted that reputable global organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the European Union (EU) have expressed their commitment to supporting the initiative.
The lawmaker further conveyed Speaker Abbas’s recognition of Governor Otti’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s development and reiterated the Speaker’s dedication to advancing the renewable energy sector.
He underscored the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and ensure a more sustainable power supply.
The summit is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote dialogue among legislators, energy experts, and industry stakeholders. Discussions will centred on critical legislative priorities, regulatory frameworks, and global best practices, all aimed at accelerating the adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria.
With such collaborative efforts, the country moves closer to achieving a more stable and sustainable electricity supply, ultimately enhancing economic growth and industrial development.