In a major step toward reforming Abia State’s power sector, the Abia State Government (ABSG), through the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, has released the final draft of its Minigrid Regulations aimed at expanding electricity access across underserved and unserved communities.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, following this week’s Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the initiative is part of the administration’s broader rural electrification vision.
According to him, the Minigrid regulations are designed to establish a legal, technical, and commercial framework that supports decentralized energy systems and encourages private sector participation.
“This initiative aligns with the broader vision of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for enhanced rural electrification through private sector involvement and the creation of enabling regulatory conditions for Minigrid development,” Kanu stated.
He revealed that the regulatory framework would particularly benefit communities in northern Abia, which remain significantly underserved.
Additionally, Kanu announced the forthcoming inauguration of a 10-member Abia Advisory Council on Electricity scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025. The council will advise the Governor on strategic power sector decisions.
As part of its commitment to provide potable water across the state, Kanu also disclosed that the Okwoyi Water Scheme located at Iseke, Ibeku in Umuahia North, will be commissioned on July 23, 2025.
Furthering its push for improved electricity distribution, the state government has donated a 1,000 kVA transformer to serve Niger Street by Bende Road, Methodist by Okwulehe Street through CPS in Umuahia.
In sports and youth development, the Commissioner announced that the Abia Soccer Festival, a grassroots football competition, has commenced at the local government level.
He also confirmed that the Abia TechRise Cohort 2 Computer-Based Test (CBT) will hold on Friday, July 25, 2025, with updates already being sent to successful applicants. Of the 8,167 applications received, 1,407 were disqualified due to invalid Abia State Social Identification Numbers (ABSIN).
Kanu noted that Abia State recently hosted the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) stakeholders’ town hall engagement, signaling the start of its 2026 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP).
He highlighted that Abia has made notable progress in the Ease of Doing Business Index, moving from 33rd to 21st place, and expressed optimism about a further rise in the 2025 ratings.
Present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
Leave a comment