Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has declared that the state has effectively insulated itself from the persistent challenges associated with Nigeria’s national electricity grid, marking what he described as a major milestone in Abia’s journey towards energy security and economic stability.
Governor Otti made the declaration while speaking on recent developments in the state’s power sector, noting that deliberate investments and strategic reforms by his administration have ensured that Abia is no longer at the mercy of frequent national grid collapses that have continued to disrupt power supply across the country.
According to the governor, the state’s new power architecture is built on decentralised and independent energy solutions that guarantee reliable electricity for critical sectors, businesses and households. He said the approach was informed by the need to support economic growth, improve quality of life and attract investors who require stable power to operate efficiently.
“For too long, our people and businesses have suffered because of problems they did not create. Each time the national grid collapses, productivity is lost, hospitals are affected and small businesses are forced to shut down. We took a deliberate decision to change that narrative,” Otti said.
He explained that Abia’s freedom from national grid disruptions is the result of sustained collaboration between the state government, private sector partners and relevant regulatory institutions. Through these partnerships, the state has been able to deploy embedded power systems and alternative energy sources capable of operating independently of the national grid.
Governor Otti stressed that ensuring uninterrupted power supply is central to his administration’s economic agenda, particularly in driving industrialisation and job creation. He noted that reliable electricity is critical to the growth of Aba as a commercial and manufacturing hub, adding that consistent power has already begun to boost productivity among artisans, traders and small scale manufacturers.
“Our vision is to build a competitive economy where businesses can thrive without the burden of erratic power supply. Stable electricity reduces production costs, improves efficiency and ultimately creates jobs for our people,” he said.
The governor also highlighted the impact of improved power supply on public services, especially healthcare and education. He said hospitals can now operate critical equipment without fear of sudden blackouts, while schools and other public institutions benefit from a more conducive learning and working environment.
While acknowledging that national grid challenges remain a broader federal issue, Otti said subnational governments must take responsibility for protecting their economies and citizens from systemic failures. He added that Abia’s model demonstrates how states can leverage innovation and private sector participation to address longstanding infrastructure problems.
“This is not about politics; it is about governance. When a system fails repeatedly, responsible leadership looks for alternatives. We have done that in Abia, and the results are clear,” the governor stated.
Governor Otti assured residents that his administration would continue to expand power infrastructure to cover more communities, ensuring that the benefits of stable electricity are evenly distributed across the state. He also hinted at ongoing plans to explore renewable energy options as part of a long term strategy for sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Residents and business owners across the state have welcomed the development, describing it as a game changer. Many say the improved power supply has reduced their dependence on generators, lowered operating costs and improved overall productivity.
As Abia positions itself as one of the few states with a reliable and independent power framework, Governor Otti’s declaration signals a bold step towards energy independence and economic resilience, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to delivering practical solutions to everyday challenges facing the people of Abia State.
