In a strategic move to resolve long-standing power supply issues in Abia State University (ABSU) and its neighboring communities, Governor Dr. Alex Otti has officially approved the establishment of a 10-megawatt Independent Power Project (IPP) in Uturu. The announcement was made on Thursday in Otamkpa, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, during a political event that also saw a significant defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP).

The 10MW power plant will be located on the ABSU campus and will provide a consistent and reliable source of electricity not only to the university but also to Uturu town and surrounding host communities. This project marks a significant leap forward in the state’s new energy policy and is aligned with Governor Otti’s broader ambition of reforming Abia’s power sector.

Reforming Energy Governance in Abia

Governor Otti emphasized that the project is part of a long-term transformation agenda underpinned by the recently enacted Abia State Electricity Law. This legislation allows the state to independently initiate and manage power generation projects without relying on federal authorization. “We now have the legal framework to establish renewable or standalone integrated power projects at the state level,” he said.

To complement this legal reform, the governor disclosed that the state government is in the process of setting up the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA). This body will oversee licensing, compliance, and overall regulatory affairs concerning electricity distribution and generation in the state. A well-regarded energy expert of Abia origin, with international experience in managing similar power initiatives in Canada, has been selected to head the agency.

Otti reassured the public that this is only the beginning. “We are saying the days of darkness are over. With light, darkness disappears,” he said, underscoring his administration’s commitment to ending electricity scarcity in Abia communities.

The Wider Development Vision

The energy project is just one component of Otti’s comprehensive infrastructure blueprint for the state. Alongside power development, the governor promised that road construction and rehabilitation across various local government areas would receive equal priority. “We do not want potholes in Abia State. We want seamless mobility, and we are committed to fixing all roads systematically,” he said.

This integrated development plan signals a shift in governance philosophy from isolated project execution to cohesive urban and rural transformation strategies. According to Otti, electrification and road access go hand in hand to boost economic productivity, education, and health services.

Community and Political Leaders Voice Support

The announcement received praise from several political and community leaders present at the event. Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, and Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, commended the governor’s bold leadership. Both described him as a visionary who is not only initiating critical reforms but also demonstrating the will to implement them.

Abia’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, also lauded the governor’s achievements, asserting that his performance in just a few months had surpassed expectations.

Equally, community development leaders like Chief Chidiebere Uguru of the Isuikwuato Development Union and Dr. Chidi Mba of the Uturu Development Union expressed deep appreciation for the new energy project. They stressed that uninterrupted power would enhance the standard of living and open new economic opportunities for small and medium-scale businesses in their communities.

Dr. Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) hailed the initiative as a “welcome development,” highlighting its potential to unlock innovation and improve the delivery of basic services in Uturu and beyond.

Past Power Struggles and the Need for Reform

Abia, like many states in Nigeria, has long suffered from erratic power supply. ABSU and the surrounding host communities have repeatedly endured long blackouts, often resorting to costly and environmentally damaging diesel generators for critical services and academic functions.

Historically, federal control of power generation and distribution limited state-level innovation in the energy sector. For decades, projects initiated by state governments were bottlenecked by bureaucracy or failed due to inadequate coordination with federal agencies like the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). However, the recent constitutional amendment in 2023 that decentralized electricity regulation has empowered state governments to take independent action—a shift Otti is now capitalizing on.

Previous efforts to address power shortages in Abia had included solar street lighting projects and short-term generator leasing schemes, but these proved insufficient and unsustainable. In contrast, the current initiative represents a more permanent and scalable solution.

A Model for State-Led Power Reform

The 10MW IPP at ABSU is expected to become a case study in decentralized power generation at the subnational level. With many Nigerian states still grappling with regulatory confusion and underdeveloped infrastructure, Abia’s approach could serve as a blueprint for others seeking to modernize their power ecosystems.

Industry experts believe that once the IPP is operational, the benefits will go beyond energy reliability. It could attract tech startups, improve internet connectivity, facilitate digital education, and reduce operating costs for the university. Furthermore, the ripple effects could include improved healthcare delivery in local clinics and expanded cold storage capacity for agricultural produce, supporting Abia’s agro-industrial growth ambitions.

Conclusion

Governor Alex Otti’s approval of the ABSU Independent Power Project represents a significant stride toward energy self-sufficiency and infrastructure modernization in Abia State. By leveraging legislative reforms, professional expertise, and community engagement, the state is poised to transform its energy sector into a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.

As this 10MW project moves from policy to implementation, all eyes will be on Abia to see how subnational governments can effectively take the lead in Nigeria’s long-overdue electricity revolution.