History has been recorded in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State as several communities in the area are now receiving electricity from Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company (DisCo), headquartered in Aba, Abia State.
For residents who have endured more than a decade without stable power supply, the development marks a turning point in the socio-economic life of the area.
An elated Chairman of Etche LGA, Hon. Chima Njoku, described the moment as deeply fulfilling while addressing a large crowd of residents who gathered at his office to express appreciation.
“My joy knows no bounds as my people now have constant, quality and affordable electricity for the first time in years,” Njoku said.
Drawing a biblical analogy, the council chairman likened his experience to that of Simeon in the Gospel narrative who rejoiced upon witnessing a long-awaited promise fulfilled.
The restoration of electricity ends years of blackout in the affected communities. According to Mrs. Bernadette Obi, a fish farmer and business owner in Umuola, one of the benefiting communities, residents had been without electricity for over ten years.
She commended the council chairman for fulfilling a key campaign promise.
“Our action LGA chairman, Hon. Chima Njoku, pledged during his electioneering campaign to solve the perennial electricity problem in our LGA if elected, and he has kept his word,” she said. “He is an exceptional public servant.”
Mrs. Obi disclosed that Njoku facilitated the purchase of several distribution transformers to ensure that multiple communities were connected once supply was restored. She added that the chairman took proactive steps to approach Aba Power because of its reputation for quality service delivery.
The move required regulatory and inter-utility coordination, as Etche LGA falls within the operational jurisdiction of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
Confirming the development, Edise Ekong, Senior Brand and Communication Manager at Aba Power, explained that the initiative began with direct engagement from the Etche council chairman.
“It was indeed Chief Njoku who approached us for power supply,” Ekong said. “We were initially sceptical since the LGA falls within the PHEDC jurisdiction.”
According to him, sustained engagement led to a structured process involving PHEDC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Following consultations, all relevant parties reached an agreement permitting Aba Power to supply electricity to the affected communities.
Ekong expressed satisfaction with the early performance of the new supply arrangement.
“It has been a week now that electricity has not blinked for a second in these communities in Rivers State,” he stated.
He noted that continuity of supply would depend largely on steady gas availability to generating plants, as well as protection of distribution infrastructure from vandalism or accidental damage.
“Once there is gas supply, all our customers will continue to enjoy uninterrupted electricity unless there are local incidents such as trucks hitting our poles and overhead wires or acts of vandalism,” he said.
Residents say the return of electricity is already impacting small businesses, artisans, and households. For traders like Mrs. Obi, whose fish farming business depends heavily on cold storage and water systems, stable power translates directly into reduced operational costs and improved profitability.
Beyond immediate economic benefits, stakeholders believe the development could attract new investments into Etche LGA, stimulate job creation, and improve living standards.
Aba Power, which operates within the Aba Ring-fenced Area covering nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State, is Nigeria’s 12th electricity distribution company. Its extension of service into Rivers State signals potential regional expansion beyond its original operational footprint.
Ekong confirmed that discussions are ongoing with unnamed state governments, communities, and major manufacturing firms outside its current coverage area who are exploring similar supply arrangements.
“We will disclose their names at the appropriate time,” he said.
Energy sector analysts view the Etche development as a practical example of evolving flexibility within Nigeria’s electricity market, where regulatory collaboration can enable cross-jurisdictional supply agreements aimed at improving service delivery.
For the people of Etche, however, the significance is more immediate and personal. After more than a decade of darkness, homes are lit, businesses are running longer hours, and public confidence in local leadership appears strengthened.
As celebrations continue in the newly electrified communities, residents say the restoration of power represents not just infrastructure progress, but renewed hope for sustained development in the area.
