Several communities in Etche Local Government Area now have access to consistent electricity supply following a new partnership with Aba Power, one of Nigeria’s emerging power distribution companies based in Aba, Abia State.
Aba Power is a subsidiary of Geometric Power, the integrated power group driving generation and distribution within the Aba Ring-Fenced Area.
The development was hailed as a milestone by residents and local officials, who described it as a long-awaited solution to years of unreliable power.
Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Hon. Chima Njoku, expressed his satisfaction with the project. “My joy knows no bounds as my people now have constant, quality, and affordable electricity for the first time in years,” he said. Drawing a biblical comparison, he added, “I now feel like Simeon, who waited all his life to witness God’s promise fulfilled. Today, I see that promise realized for my people.”
Residents confirmed that the communities had gone without steady electricity for over a decade. Mrs. Bernadette Obi, a business owner in Umuola, described the restoration of power as transformational for local commerce.
“Our council chairman pledged during his campaign to resolve the perennial electricity problem in Etche, and he has delivered. We now have power to run businesses, schools, and households without interruption,” Obi said. She noted that Njoku had procured distribution transformers for the communities to ensure inclusive access to the restored power supply.
The initiative was facilitated by Aba Power after persistent engagement by the council chairman. Edise Ekong, Senior Brand and Communication Manager at Aba Power, confirmed that Etche LGA fell outside the company’s original service area, which is typically under the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
“Initially, we were skeptical,” Ekong said. “But following the LGA chairman’s efforts, we coordinated with PHEDC and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission. All parties agreed that Aba Power could supply electricity to these communities.”
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Ekong added that residents have praised the initiative not only for the reliability of supply but also for the quality of electricity and the tariff structure. “It has been a week now, and the supply has been uninterrupted,” he said.
He noted that continued supply will depend on consistent gas availability. “Electricity will flow uninterrupted as long as gas is available, barring local disruptions such as accidents, vandalism, or damage to infrastructure,” Ekong explained.
Aba Power is reportedly in discussions with several state governments, communities, and major manufacturing firms beyond its traditional coverage area in Abia State’s Aba Ring-Fenced region, signaling growing confidence in the company’s capacity to expand operations under the broader leadership of Geometric Power.
The extension of power to Etche communities represents a significant step in inter-utility collaboration and demonstrates the potential for private distribution companies to contribute to Nigeria’s national electricity access goals.
