The Abia State government says it is partnering with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to develop regulations for a $750 million mini-grid project.
The project, backed by the World Bank, is expected to transform electricity access in the state and drive industrial growth.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing reporters on the outcome of the week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the renewable energy programme was “designed to boost the electricity sector of the state.” He stressed that the Otti administration is focused on power reforms to attract investment and support private businesses.
“This initiative is part of government’s agenda to generate and attract investors into the power sector,” he said.
According to him, the signing of the State Electricity Law 2025 has now empowered the government to explore the entire electricity value chain. With this, Abia hopes to leverage renewable energy, especially solar, to reduce reliance on the national grid.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental body with 123 member states. Its mission is to promote solar energy deployment across countries in the tropics. Nigeria is already a member. You can learn more about ISA from its official website.
Cleaner Environment, Stronger Workforce
Prince Kanu also announced measures to improve waste management. He said Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) had deployed smaller 2.7-tonne receptacles around Aba and Umuahia.
“These smaller bins will allow our teams to navigate narrow roads and streets easily,” he explained.
ASEPA has also begun a massive clean-up of waterways and drainages across Umuahia, especially from Afara through the city down to Isialangwa, to prevent flooding.
In the civil service, the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry-Eze, disclosed that the government was building capacity among workers.
He said the Commission is currently conducting a “skills mapping audit across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.” This, according to him, will help deploy staff more effectively and prepare them for modern governance.
The combination of clean energy reforms, better urban management, and workforce development reflects the Otti government’s promise to remake Abia as an investor-friendly and forward-looking state.
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