By Chidorum Nwakanma
Vice President Kashim Shettima made
two crucial stops in the SouthEast on Monday, 27 February 2024, all connected
with power and the region’s progress.
At
Enugu, Shettima launched the South-East leg of the Light-Up Nigeria Project as
part of the South-East Business Roundtable. Four governors of Enugu, Anambra,
Ebonyi and Imo supported him.
At
Aba, Shettima commissioned the 181MW Geometric Power Plant that would serve the
commercial city of Aba and a ring-fenced area covering nine of Abia State’s 17
local governments.
The
optics of both occasions were brilliant and positive for the Federal and
regional governments. Geometric Power in Aba attracted massive publicity and
attention, and citizens ululated it for its significance and promise.
The
20-year trajectory of the Geometric Power Plant in Aba was part of the backdrop
for the significant interest in the project. The project's many sub-plots,
twists and turns speak to resilience, entrepreneurial drive, sabotage, and
overcoming obstacles.
Geometrics
received a federal government concession to run an independent power operation
to service Aba and a ring-fenced area off the area covered by the Enugu
Electricity Distribution Company. Enugu Electric refused to let go.
In
that period, the project featured roles by many of the region’s power brokers.
Former governor Orji Uzor Kalu received the expression of interest and
allocated land for it. Governor Theodore Orji constructed the access road to
the project site. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu invested Abia State’s $3.5mm for a
three per cent stake.
Dr
Benedict Oramah of Afreximbank kept faith with the vision of empowering Aba and
the region.
Incumbent
Governor Dr Alex Otti approved the initial loan of $75m for Geometrics as a
director in First Bank. Still, the loan was only realised when he served as
managing director at Diamond Bank.
WTO
Director General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the former President of the World
Bank, the late James Wolfensohn, inspired and triggered Nnaji to consider the
project in the first instance.
Prof Barth Nnaji, an engineer
and one-time Nigerian minister, is the promoter of the $800m project. Geometric
Power Group will manage Nigeria’s first integrated independent power plant.
Geometric
Power has a license to produce 188 MW. It has an embedded power plant to
generate and distribute its power. While Geometric Power Aba Ltd (GPAL)
develops, consumers will interface with Aba Power Limited Electrical (APLE),
which would service Aba and the nine local governments.
The Significance
Aba Power will address a
critical need. Aba, a major commercial and manufacturing hub in Southeast
Nigeria, has been severely hampered by chronic power shortages. This new
Geometric Power Plant addresses this critical infrastructural gap that has
stunted productivity and development.
Geometric Power represents symbolic
progress for the company, Aba, and the region. It confirms the region’s
trajectory of private enterprise and the tradition of striking out against the
standard run.
The
commissioning of this plant represents a significant step towards reliable
power supply in the region. It marks a tangible victory against crippling power
problems, which have long frustrated residents and businesses alike.
Aba
Power would potentially catalyse faster economic growth. Consistent power supply
is crucial for industrialisation and sustainable business growth. Aba Power
promises to attract new ventures, support the expansion of existing businesses,
and create significant job opportunities.
It
should improve the quality of life. Reliable electricity enhances residents'
overall quality of life in Aba and surrounding areas. With stable power,
families can improve their daily lives, students can have more effective study
hours, and businesses can thrive beyond daylight limits.
It
could lead to demographic shifts and the expansion of Aba and increase its
appeal and attraction. With regular power, Enyimba City would grow in interest
and appeal among cities in the South of Nigeria.
The Potential
Aba
Power would boost manufacturing in the city, renowned for innovatively cobbling
things together. Aba Power can revitalise and supercharge this sector and
transform this city into an even more productive regional hub.
It
can expand Aba’s service sector. Improved power supply will allow growth in the
service sector. Businesses in hospitality, entertainment, information
technology, and many others can now operate with fewer restrictions and provide
enhanced services.
A
guaranteed power supply is vital in attracting foreign and domestic investment.
Aba Power could position the city as an attractive destination for diverse
economic ventures.
Aba
Power's success could be a successful model for other regions facing power
challenges. This pilot could spark similar initiatives across Nigeria,
catalysing more comprehensive improvements in the nation's power sector.
Important Considerations
While
Aba Power holds significant promise, vital factors will determine its long-term
success. To achieve its full potential, the power plant needs sustainable
revenue models for efficient operation, maintenance, and future expansion.
Even
with adequate generation, reliable distribution networks are essential to reach
consumers effectively. Investments in transmission infrastructure must be
prioritised.
Effective
government, private sector, and local community collaboration will be critical
for ongoing maintenance, security, and expansion efforts.
The
commissioning of Aba Power's first turbine represents a hopeful turning point
in Aba's history and a potential game-changer for the region's socioeconomic
development. The extent of its success depends on the ability to build on this
momentum, address long-term sustainability, and invest heavily in associated
infrastructure. Aba Power could ignite a transformative era of progress and
prosperity in the Southeast if adequately nurtured.
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