Aba, the commercial hub of Abia state in southeastern Nigeria, is referred to as the “Taiwan of Africa” owing to the resourcefulness of local entrepreneurs, artisans, and craftsmen who demonstrate remarkable ingenuity in utilizing locally available materials to create spare parts and various machinery. However, for decades, Aba has grappled with the challenge of inadequate power supply. This has hampered business growth and hindered the city’s economic potential. However, a recent development promises to change the narrative: the inauguration of the Geometric Power Plant.
A Long-Awaited Dream:
The story of the Geometric Power Plant began in 2003, when Professor Bart Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, initiated the project. The vision was to address the chronic power shortage in Aba and its surrounding areas. Facing various challenges and delays, the project finally reached fruition in February 2024, with the official commissioning of the 188-megawatt (MW) power plant. The power plant, described as the first integrated electricity facility in Nigeria, is located in the Osisioma industrial area of Abia state.
The power plant is estimated to have been built at a cost of $800 million and it includes the construction of a 27-kilometre natural gas pipeline, from Owaza in Ukwa West LGA in Abia to the Osisioma industrial layout in Aba.
The official commissioning was done by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. According to the President; “In the past nine months, the residents of Abia State have experienced a positive transformation in their circumstances. Abia is making significant progress, and we take pride in the achievements of Alex Otti. He has applied his extensive experience, intellect, and exposure to the development of Abia State.”
Highlighting the significance of the private sector energy investment initiative, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, emphasized that the industrial production in Aba and its surrounding areas would triple, leading to the creation of millions of new jobs.
Expressing his confidence in the project’s potential impact, Governor Otti mentioned that the success of the power initiative would serve as a clear signal to both local and international investors that Aba is a thriving business hub.
He stated, “When I first reviewed the proposal for the Geometric Integrated Power Plant, I recognized the immediate need for my involvement because, even if just 50 percent of the proposed objectives could be realized, the industrial output in this significant city and its surroundings would witness a threefold increase, resulting in the creation of millions of new jobs directly and indirectly in the short to medium term.”
Promoters with a Vision:
The Geometric Power project is a testament to the combined efforts of the public and private sectors. Geometric Power Limited, led by Professor Nnaji, acted as the project developer and will handle the plant’s operation and maintenance. The project received crucial support from the Federal Government of Nigeria through a 20-year concession agreement. This collaboration between public and private entities signifies a crucial step towards addressing the energy crisis in Nigeria.
During his introductory remarks, Professor Nnaji, characterized the project as “a necessary undertaking,” revealing that it took him two decades to bring it to fruition.
Expressing gratitude to those who played a role in making the project a reality, Nnaji mentioned that the endeavor incurred a cost of $800 million. He appealed to the Federal Government for assistance in securing a dependable gas supply.
A Spark for Business Growth:
The impact of the Geometric Power Plant is expected to be transformative for Aba and its surrounding communities.
To comprehend the scale of this progress, consider that a 188MW power plant operating continuously should produce approximately 135,360,000 kWh of electricity each month. If we take an average household consumption of around 500 kWh, this capacity has the potential to influence approximately 270,720 households. This highlights the significance of Geometric Power’s 188MW plant.
With a reliable power supply, businesses can now operate at full capacity, extending their working hours and increasing productivity. This translates to:
- Increased production: Manufacturers will be able to operate machinery and production lines more consistently, leading to higher output and potentially lower production costs.
- Expanded business opportunities: With reliable power, businesses can explore new ventures and expand their operations, creating more job opportunities and boosting the local economy.
- Improved service delivery: Businesses like restaurants, hotels, and retail stores can now offer better services and customer experiences with uninterrupted power supply.
- Enhanced competitiveness: Aba’s businesses will become more competitive with those in other regions by having access to a reliable and affordable power source.
Beyond Business: A Brighter Future for All:
The positive impact of the Geometric Power Plant extends beyond just businesses. A stable power supply improves the overall quality of life for residents. This includes:
- Improved living conditions: Homes will have consistent light and power for appliances, making daily routines easier and more comfortable.
- Enhanced security: Streetlights powered by the plant can improve public safety and deter crime rates.
- Educational advancement: Schools and universities can leverage reliable power for their operations, enhancing learning opportunities and student experience.
- Healthcare improvements: Hospitals and clinics can rely on uninterrupted power for critical equipment, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services.
A Step Forward, But Not the End:
The successful completion and operation of the Geometric Power Plant serve as a beacon of hope, not only for Aba but for the entire nation. It demonstrates the potential for public-private partnerships to address critical infrastructure challenges. However, it’s important to remember that this is just one step on the path to achieving sustainable and reliable power supply for all Nigerians. Continued efforts are needed to improve transmission and distribution infrastructure, explore renewable energy sources, and ensure affordable access to electricity for all communities.
The Geometric Power Plant symbolizes a new era for Aba, one where businesses can thrive, communities can prosper, and the city can finally unlock its full economic potential. This development signifies a significant step forward, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards a brighter future powered by reliable and sustainable energy.
