Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that his administration is open to partnership in power generation and transmission in 8 out of the 17 Local Government Areas of the State that are not covered by Abia Power Limited Electric (APLE).
Currently, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, and Umunneochi are not covered by Aba Power, which generates and transmits power to Aba and its environs (covering 9 LGAs), through Geometric Power Limited.
Governor Otti also stated that his administration is interested in waste management, having cleaned up refuse dumps that once defaced the major cities of the State, after he declared a state of emergency on waste on assumption of office.
The Governor stated this while hosting a team from the INNOV Power Solutions, led by Mohammed Konate, its president.
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Governor Otti directed further engagement with the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Government involved to deepen discussions and work out areas of partnership.
“As we speak today, maybe Abia and a few other States have been able to set up a regulatory agency. That means that everything now resides within Abia. We have a management board for that, which has started work.
“There have been a lot of proposals on renewable energy, which are looking attractive. If this is an area you are interested in, I think we are also ready to work with you, just as we have opened our doors to other investors.
“But generation is so critical, because if we do not have the power, there is nothing to transmit or distribute. So, I will let you further engage with the commissioner (for Power and Public Utilities and his team) so that we can work out how we can partner”, Governor Otti stated.
On waste management, Governor Otti said,” Waste Management is an area that is important to us. When we came in two years ago, we declared a state of emergency on waste management, because it was a scourge here.
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“We’ve been able to get a handle on it, but a permanent solution would be welcomed. We have had a few people come to make presentations. My experience is that there must be a sweetener for you”.
Mohammed Konate, president, INNOV Power Solutions, who flew in from the United States of America (USA) for the meeting, said that they are interested in partnering with the State Government in the areas of power generation and transmission, and in waste management.
He disclosed that they will bring solutions not yet introduced in Nigeria that will make the State a shining light in embracing technology.
He lauded the Governor for the development happening in Abia, having visited some parts of the State, even as they planned to continue their visit to Aba and thanked Governor Otti for the warm reception they were given.
