Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that his administration’s bold energy strategy has insulated the state from the frequent collapses of Nigeria’s national electricity grid that have left many regions in the dark. Speaking at a media briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti revealed that Abia’s power stability is tied to the state’s growing control over key electricity assets and new renewable energy projects aimed at ensuring local energy sufficiency.

A major pillar of the governor’s energy roadmap is a pilot biogas programme launched at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, where organic waste is being converted into renewable energy for local use. The initiative reflects Abia’s shift toward clean energy solutions to generate power while managing waste innovatively. Otti also confirmed that the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority has taken over regulatory functions from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for power distribution, generation and transmission within the state, giving Abia greater autonomy over its energy affairs.

The governor further disclosed that negotiations with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) have led to an arrangement that will see Abia take full ownership and regulation of key grid infrastructure, with plans underway to raise funds to finalise the acquisition. Otti said this localised control, coupled with renewable energy investments, underpins the state’s resilience against national grid failures — a benefit already felt by residents, especially in areas like Aba and Umuahia ring-fence zones. He expressed confidence that ongoing progress in this sector will strengthen Abia’s energy independence even further.