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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has shed light on the factors contributing to the delay in the completion of the 181-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in the Aba area of the state.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Thursday, Governor Otti elucidated that the project, initiated during the administration of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu in 2004, faced setbacks due to various reasons.
Otti revealed that in 2010, Bart Nnaji, founder of Geometrics Power Limited and former Minister for Science and Technology, approached him as an Executive Director of First Bank, seeking financial assistance. Despite efforts to secure funding, including processing an $85 million facility, challenges arose when Otti transitioned to Diamond Bank as CEO, leading to a restructuring of the financing arrangement.
Furthermore, complications arose from the sale and resale of Aba Invest Island and changes in ownership of the oil block supplying gas to the power plant, affecting its operations.
Governor Otti emphasized that since assuming office, his administration has worked closely with Geometric and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to address these issues, resulting in the successful operation of the plant. Currently, the plant supplies 141 megawatts of power, with the capacity expandable to 181 megawatts upon the delivery of the final turbine.
Regarding the involvement of his predecessor, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Otti stated that there is no evidence of the Abia State Government’s equity in the project. He expressed his commitment to investigating the matter further.
The $800 million project, inclusive of a 27-kilometer natural gas pipeline, spearheaded by Geometrics Power Limited, has commenced supplying electricity to nine out of the 17 local government areas in the southeast region of the state through the newly established Aba Power Limited Electric.
The recent inauguration of the Geometric Power Plant by Vice President Kashim Shettima signifies a milestone in Abia State’s quest for improved electricity supply, particularly in its industrial hub, Aba. Positioned as Nigeria’s first integrated electricity facility, the power plant holds promise for addressing energy challenges and fostering economic growth in the region.
