Aba, Abia State – May 2, 2025 – Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, yesterday commissioned a new 30MVA power substation built by Geometric Power Limited in Ogbor Hill, Aba, further solidifying the company’s commitment to delivering stable electricity across the Aba ring-fenced area.
The visit marked a historic full-circle moment—nearly two decades after Chief Obasanjo granted the original license that enabled the Aba Integrated Power Project (Aba IPP). Speaking at the commissioning, the former president praised the Geometric Power team and the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for their resolve in seeing the project through.
“Aba is the centre of industry, and it declined due to lack of power. Now, I am happy with what Geometric Power has become,” Chief Obasanjo said. “When I first encouraged them, I wasn’t sure what would come of it. It was a trial. But now that I’ve seen the outcome, I’m glad I did.”
Obasanjo called on Geometric Power to expand its reach beyond the current 9 LGAs, urging the inclusion of other areas, including Umuahia.
“If you had given up, there would be nothing to celebrate today,” he said. “Energy powers development, and it can transform any institution.”
Governor Otti Reaffirms State Support
Also speaking at the ceremony, Governor Alex Otti credited Obasanjo for his foresight in creating the Aba ring-fenced power zone, even before national reforms permitted state-level electricity regulation.
“President Obasanjo granted the license and created the ring-fence—long before it became federal policy,” Otti said. “Today, we are building on that foundation.”
He disclosed that Abia State plans to extend Geometric Power’s surplus to Umuahia and expressed interest in acquiring the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to further localize electricity regulation.
Prof. Bart Nnaji: Gratitude and Commitment
Founder and Chairman of the Geometric Group, Prof. Bart Nnaji, gave an overview of the Aba IPP and thanked Chief Obasanjo, Governor Otti, and former Abia governments for their support over the years.
“This journey has taken resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in the power of vision. We’re grateful to those who stood by us,” Prof. Nnaji said.
Next Steps: Mass Metering
Barr. Ugochukwu Opiegbe, Managing Director of Aba Power Limited, announced that mass metering would soon begin across the Aba ring-fenced area to further improve service delivery and transparency for residents and businesses.
A Legacy in Motion
The commissioning of the Ogbor Hill substation underscores Geometric Power’s commitment to lighting up Aba and building a model for power infrastructure in Nigeria. With Chief Obasanjo returning to see what his 2005 approval set in motion, the event was not just ceremonial—it was a reaffirmation of what strong leadership, private sector resilience, and strategic policy can achieve.
