Abia’s 20-year journey to 24-hour power: unveiling geometrics power project
Amidst jubilation and newfound optimism, residents of Abia State are reveling in the dawn of a new era marked by uninterrupted power supply, courtesy of the recently commissioned Geometrics Power project. Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, February 26, 2024, inaugurated the groundbreaking 181-megawatt power plant, situated in the bustling industrial hub of Osisioma in Aba, the state capital. Spearheaded by Geometrics Power Limited, this monumental $800 million initiative, which includes the construction of a 27-kilometer natural gas pipeline, heralds a transformative shift in the state’s energy landscape.
The culmination of this long-awaited endeavor, however, comes after a tumultuous two-decade journey that saw the project weather numerous challenges and setbacks. Initiated during the tenure of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, the Geometrics Power project languished in limbo for years before finally materializing into reality.
Governor Alex Otti, shedding light on the project’s protracted gestation period, offered insights into the intricate web of obstacles that impeded its progress. Speaking candidly on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Governor Otti recounted the project’s tumultuous trajectory, dating back to its inception in the early 2000s.
Recalling his involvement in the project during his tenure as an Executive Director at First Bank, Otti revealed how Bart Nnaji, the founder of Geometrics Power Limited and former Minister for Science and Technology, solicited financial support for the venture. Despite initial efforts to secure funding, the project encountered a major setback when the global economic downturn prompted the bank financing the endeavor to halt funding midstream.
Undeterred by this setback, Otti, upon assuming leadership at Diamond Bank, embarked on a mission to revive the dormant project. Through meticulous restructuring and strategic negotiations, Otti and his team successfully resuscitated the financing arrangement, paving the way for the project’s eventual completion by October 2014.
However, the project encountered further hurdles in subsequent years, including the contentious sale and resale of the Aba Invest Island, which diverted attention and resources away from the power initiative. Additionally, complications arose with the procurement of gas supply, exacerbated by the transfer of ownership of the major oil block crucial for gas extraction.
Undaunted by these challenges, Governor Otti, upon assuming office, prioritized the resolution of lingering obstacles hindering the project’s progress. Collaborating closely with Geometrics Power and stakeholders such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Otti spearheaded efforts to secure a reliable gas supply, thereby surmounting a critical barrier to the project’s viability.
Presently, the Geometrics Power plant stands poised to revolutionize Abia’s energy landscape, with the capacity to supply 141 megawatts of power, with plans for expansion to 181 megawatts upon the delivery of the final turbine. This milestone achievement represents a triumph of perseverance and resilience in the face of formidable challenges, underscoring the transformative impact of strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment to progress.
As Abia residents bask in the glow of newfound electrification, the Geometrics Power project stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation and determination, ushering in a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.
