Abia Gov Promises Rapid Action For Renewable Energy Projects Revival With REA

Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti has pledged swift action to reactivate and accelerate renewable energy initiatives in the state, promising closer collaboration with the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to fast‑track projects that have stalled.

The commitment came during a meeting at Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday when Governor Otti received a high‑level delegation from the REA, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI‑CNG & EV). The governor described it as unacceptable for Abia to lag behind other states given the state’s resources and potential for clean energy deployment.

Otti said the state government would resolve outstanding operational and administrative delays that have hindered progress, and move to activate existing agreements with the federal agency. “Just watch us and see what will happen in the next 14 days,” he told the delegation, adding that the data and presentation they provided would be used to shape the state’s immediate steps. He singled out an initiative that spans ten states as a low‑hanging fruit the state could seize quickly.

As part of efforts to streamline implementation, the governor said Abia would appoint a state focal person immediately to coordinate activities with REA and other federal partners. He said the move would ensure clearer communication lines, speed up decision‑making and help translate signed agreements into on‑ground projects.

Otti also pointed to the state’s early adoption of electric buses as evidence of Abia’s commitment to green energy. He said the pioneer buses have delivered positive results and signalled the government’s readiness to scale up similar interventions across the state.

REA managing director and chief executive Dr Abba Aliyu briefed the meeting on the agency’s national mapping of communities that require rural electrification and outlined ongoing deployment plans. He said REA is in the process of rolling out about 1,000 mini‑grids across various states — part of a broader strategy to expand access to electricity through renewable solutions.

Dr Aliyu acknowledged that an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Abia State last year had experienced delays, but stressed the agency’s readiness to support Abia once state-level commitment and operational arrangements are in place.

His remarks underscored REA’s conditional stance: technical and financial assistance will follow demonstrable engagement and administrative readiness from recipient states.

The meeting featured senior state and federal officials, including the Principal Secretary to the governor and chief strategy officer,  Chinenye Mba‑Uzoukwu, and other members of the Abia State Executive Council. Attendees discussed timelines, data requirements and immediate steps to move from planning to implementation.