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Governor Alex Otti of Abia has signed into law, the Abia State Electricity bill, hence empowering the State to regulate its own electricity market.
Speaking while assenting to the executive bill, Governor Alex Otti said that with the law, the executive arm of government has the capacity to implement the law, adding that the State would soon set up Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).
In a Facebook post by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti said that the 64 page law would support the power initiatives of the government which will stand the test of time.
He asded that it would strengthen the plans of government to extend power to the rest of the 8 LGAs of the State having sealed the Aba ring – fence with Geometric power limited covering 9 LGAs.
According to the Governor, “This is a document that will stand the test of time. It is a document that will protect the investment of everyone that wants to invest in Abia. It is also a document that speaks renewable energy,”
“So, this legislation would support that initiative and we are very close to signing an MoU moving forward in that direction. It also would protect prospective investors in power generation.
According to the CPS, Governor Otti recalled how the State journeyed into crafting the bill.
“When we started to look at the Electricity Bill, I think that was towards the end of 2023, given that the law had already been passed at the national level by the former President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Governor Otti lauded the State House of Assembly for the speedy but careful passage of the bill and appreciated the development partners for their inputs.
“I want to thank the State House of Assembly for the passage of this bill that emanated from the executive, speedily but carefully .
Speaking while presenting the bill for signing, the Speaker, Abia State House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa said that Abia State is on the right path with the electricity bill.
He described the bill as a milestone achievement, adding that it is a big business investment for the State and that the State House of Assembly understands the vision of the Governor and has to be committed to ensuring that he achieve his vision for the people of the State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday recalled that the State leveraged on the Electricity Act of 2023 which allows States to legislate on electricity to come up with the bill.
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