Abia Govt Targets World-class Electricity Market

The Abia State Government said it is working towards establishing a world-class electricity market aimed at fast-tracking economic growth and improving power supply across the state.

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, stated this at a public consultation on the draft regulations for the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) held in Umuahia.

He described the initiative as a major step in the state’s power sector reforms under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, noting that the process reflects commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficient service delivery.

“We are building a market that everybody will be a key player. And like they say, the customer is the king,” he said.

He added that consumers remain central to the state’s electricity framework, stressing that the reform is designed to ensure investor confidence and improved service delivery.

In a keynote address, the Chairman of the State Electricity Advisory Council, Sam Amadi, said the consultation focused on improving service delivery, building consumer confidence, and strengthening the credibility of regulatory decisions in the sector.

He noted that a functional electricity market would enhance trust and efficiency in power governance in the state.

Also speaking, the Lead Consultant on Power to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Odion Omonfoman, said the establishment of ASERA marks a significant milestone in Abia’s electricity sector reforms.

He said the NGF supports the decentralisation of the power sector, adding that ASERA’s progress reflects proper implementation of the Electricity Act and the Abia State Electricity Law.

“The NGF is proud to support the decentralization of the power sector and commended ASERA for moving swiftly and transparently to implementing the mandates of the Electricity Act and the Abia State Electricity law,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of ASERA, Emeka Onyegbule, said the agency is committed to building a transparent, investor-friendly, and customer-focused electricity market in the state.

He added that the reforms are aimed at attracting investors while ensuring consumers benefit from improved service delivery.

“We want to make our market where investors can have confidence in what we are doing and also to be customer-focused,” he said.