A landmark gas supply agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Heirs Energies has sparked a significant improvement in electricity supply to Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. The deal, which supports the 18-megawatt Geometric Power Plant located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, is making a noticeable difference in the power supply to the Aba Ring Fence a region that includes nine out of the seventeen local government areas (LGAs) in Abia.
The Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) has lauded the recent advancements, noting a substantial reduction in blackouts since the recommencement of gas supply on December 16. The gas, supplied via a 27-kilometre pipeline from the Oil Mining Licence (OML) 17 in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA, has restored stability to the region’s power supply, which had previously been affected by punctures in the Rivers State section of the Eastern Gas Network.
A Vision for National Power Distribution
According to ECAN, the impact of this gas deal extends beyond Aba. As gas supply continues to improve, Geometric Power plans to expand its capabilities by activating its two additional General Electric (GE) turbines. This would enable the plant to export excess electricity to other parts of Nigeria, contributing to the national grid and alleviating some of the country’s power shortages. The positive momentum surrounding the agreement offers a beacon of hope for further electricity accessibility across the nation.
Aba Power’s Commitment to Affordable Electricity
Despite the challenging landscape of electricity tariffs in Nigeria, Aba Power has been recognised for maintaining the lowest tariff of any of the country’s twelve Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos). While the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a 50% tariff increase for Aba Power on January 1, 2025, the company continues to provide affordable electricity to its consumers, with tariffs still lower than those of other DisCos.
The NERC’s approval of a higher tariff, effective for Band A customers receiving at least 22 hours of daily supply, follows a broader trend of tariff increases across the country. However, Aba Power remains committed to providing the most cost-effective service to its customers, even as it contends with the rising costs of operation and foreign exchange fluctuations.
Endurance Amid Challenges
For a company that faced decades of deliberate obstacles, the recognition of Aba Power’s resilience is a testament to its commitment to overcoming adversity. The plant, which was officially commissioned on February 26, 2024, by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, has finally turned a corner in delivering consistent and reliable power to Aba and its surrounding areas.
Aba Power’s leadership hopes that the recent tariff adjustment will allow the company to sustain its operations, which require foreign currency for the procurement of equipment and the payment of expatriate staff, while also weathering the broader economic challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector.
Looking Ahead
With the combined efforts of Geometric Power and NNPC, and the ongoing investments in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, the future of electricity supply in Aba and potentially the entire nation appears brighter. The continuous improvement of gas supply to the Geometric Power Plant stands as a key step toward resolving the country’s energy deficit and enhancing economic productivity through more stable and affordable power.
As gas supply continues to improve, Aba Power’s growth and the potential for exporting surplus energy offer a promising path for the nation’s energy sector. With government support and strategic collaborations, Nigeria’s energy future looks more hopeful than ever.
