For decades, unreliable electricity has hindered industrial development across Nigeria. Businesses in cities such as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Onitsha have struggled with high operating costs, factory closures and dependence on petrol and diesel generators.
However, the situation in Aba is beginning to change as more businesses enjoy improved access to electricity, allowing them to increase productivity, extend operating hours and reduce their reliance on expensive alternative power sources.
The Chairman of Geometric Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, described the Aba Integrated Power Project, which represents an investment of more than $900 million, as the fulfilment of a long-standing vision.
He said the company remained committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to customers, regardless of their economic or social status. Nnaji also noted that Aba Power was privately owned and had not received Federal Government subsidies, distinguishing it from several established electricity distribution companies.
AFREXIMBANK’S ROLE IN COMPLETING THE PROJECT
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) played a major role in bringing the Aba power project to completion after years of delays.
According to Geometric Power’s Group Managing Director, Mrs Agatha Nnaji, the bank provided a $50 million facility that helped the company complete and commission the project.
She explained that political interference, administrative challenges and difficulties surrounding the electricity privatisation process had delayed the project for seven years, even after much of the infrastructure had been installed.
During that period, the company continued maintaining its facilities and paying staff while seeking a solution to the outstanding challenges.
Agatha Nnaji said Afreximbank eventually supported the project after recognising Aba’s potential as a major industrial centre in Africa. She described the bank’s intervention as a turning point that enabled the company to overcome significant financial and administrative obstacles.
INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE TO IMPROVE POWER SUPPLY
Geometric Power has invested in distribution infrastructure designed to improve electricity reliability and reduce disruptions.
The company’s Director of Commercial Operations, Engineer Victor Ngwoke, explained that heavy-duty tubular steel poles with reinforced concrete foundations had been installed to withstand harsh conditions and minimise damage.
He added that the company also worked to repair damaged infrastructure quickly whenever faults occurred.
On electricity metering, Ngwoke disclosed that approximately 98 per cent of Aba Power’s customers had prepaid meters. The company also uses smart meters and monitoring teams to identify electricity theft, illegal connections and meter bypasses.
These measures are intended to improve billing transparency, help customers manage their consumption and protect the distribution network.
EXCESS GENERATION CAPACITY CREATES ROOM FOR EXPANSION
According to the report, Aba Power currently takes an average of 50 to 60 megawatts from an installed generation capacity exceeding 140 megawatts.
The available capacity has enabled the company to extend electricity supply to some communities in neighbouring Rivers State, where certain areas receive inadequate service from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
Geometric Power also hopes to extend its services to more parts of Abia State, subject to infrastructure availability and other operational requirements.
OGONNAYA ONU POLYTECHNIC REPORTS 80% REDUCTION IN ENERGY COSTS
Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba is among the institutions benefiting from the improved electricity supply.
The Rector, Professor Christopher Okoro, said the institution previously struggled with unreliable electricity and substantial diesel expenses, which affected teaching, research and administrative activities.
After contacting Geometric Power Chairman Barth Nnaji, the institution was connected to Aba Power within 48 hours.
Okoro explained that before the connection, staff often left the campus by 2 p.m. because they could not continue working effectively without electricity.
With the improved supply, students and staff can now remain on campus until late in the evening, even though the institution does not operate a residential system.
The rector said the institution’s energy costs had fallen by approximately 80 per cent, providing significant financial relief and creating a better environment for academic work.
MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY
Businesses in Aba are also reporting improvements in production and commercial activities.
David Mmadueke, Chairman of Damson Industries, a manufacturer of shoe components, said the company could operate morning and night shifts without routinely shutting down because of power outages.
He explained that the factory had enjoyed consistent electricity, apart from a three-day interruption caused by a gas supply problem.
Similarly, Obioma Onyebuchi, President of Aba North Shoe Plaza, said the commercial centre, which houses more than 2,000 shops, switched to Aba Power on January 14.
According to him, the improved supply has enabled traders to work throughout the day without depending on individual petrol or diesel generators.
Although some traders consider the electricity tariff relatively high, Onyebuchi said the cost remained preferable to the substantial expenses previously incurred on fuel.
He added that the plaza’s traders were willing to support efforts to maintain a reliable electricity supply because of its positive impact on their businesses.
HOUSEHOLDS BENEFIT FROM REDUCED LIVING COSTS
The benefits of improved electricity supply are also extending to households, where families are finding it easier to manage food storage and daily expenses.
Mrs Ada-Ngizi Greg-Ilobinso, a teacher and mother, said the availability of steady electricity had improved her household management.
She explained that she could now purchase food items in bulk, preserve them in a freezer and reduce the frequency of shopping trips.
Her experience reflects how dependable electricity can help households manage their budgets and reduce some of the indirect costs associated with an unreliable power supply.
AFFORDABILITY AND CONSISTENCY REMAIN IMPORTANT
Although the experiences reported by businesses, educational institutions and households suggest that Aba is making progress in electricity delivery, sustaining the gains will depend on consistent supply, affordable tariffs and the expansion of services to more communities.
The Aba Integrated Power Project combines electricity generation and distribution within a defined service area, offering a model for improving power delivery to industrial, commercial and residential consumers.
If the improvements continue, Aba could strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturing and commercial centres, demonstrating how reliable electricity can support industrial growth, improve livelihoods and reduce the cost of doing business.
