In a strategic move that highlights the importance of supporting Nigeria’s industrial backbone, the Aba Ringfence—comprising nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas—has received uninterrupted electricity today, contrary to earlier plans to reduce supply due to ongoing repairs of vandalized oil pipelines.
The planned reduction in electricity, which would have seen a 40-megawatt cut from the usual power supply for 10 hours, was initially scheduled to take effect today. However, the Geometric Power Group, owners of Aba Power, successfully negotiated with the pipeline operator and gas supplier, Heirs Energies, to postpone the reduction to the upcoming weekend.
Engineer Cliff Eneh, a prominent Lagos-based electricity consultant and former professional with the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), commended the decision, emphasizing its timeliness and strategic foresight. “This postponement is the smart thing to do,” remarked Eneh. “It allows manufacturers in Aba and its environs to operate their factories unhindered during the week, ensuring minimal disruption to industrial activity.”
This sentiment was echoed by Engineer Vincent Chukwueke, a renowned gas consultant and former senior manager with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). In an evening briefing, Chukwueke lauded the decision as a critical step in aiding Nigeria’s struggling manufacturing sector. “Manufacturers have been facing immense challenges due to economic pressures. Supporting them through uninterrupted electricity supply during workdays aligns with the national interest,” he stated.
Sir Alex Maduakor, President of the Aba Industrialists Association, praised the development, describing it as a much-needed reprieve for the manufacturing sector. “Nigeria’s progress hinges on addressing the numerous challenges faced by manufacturers. We are the backbone of the economy, and this decision reflects an understanding of that reality,” Maduakor said during a media interaction.
The postponement also serves as a testament to the enduring vision behind the Aba Independent Power Project (Aba IPP), a brainchild of renowned engineer and former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji. The Aba IPP was conceived over 20 years ago to address the chronic power shortages crippling manufacturers in Aba. It was initiated after a request from the then World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, and Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, now the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In March 2004, Professor Nnaji and his team were tasked with setting up a 50-megawatt gas-fired power plant to alleviate Aba’s industrial energy crisis. “Professor Nnaji and his team were pioneers—the first Nigerians to build a power plant in the country’s history,” noted Engineer Eneh.
Today, the Geometric Power Group, through its subsidiary Aba Power, continues to uphold that vision by prioritizing manufacturers and ensuring that their operations remain uninterrupted. The company’s commitment has been vital in sustaining industrial activity, especially in the face of challenges such as pipeline vandalism and fluctuating gas supplies.
The postponement of the electricity reduction underscores the strategic collaboration between public and private stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector, as well as their commitment to fostering economic growth. By prioritizing manufacturers and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during the workweek, the Geometric Power Group and its partners are not just addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for sustained industrial progress in Aba and beyond.
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