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Aba Power has earned commendations for being the only electricity distribution company (DisCo) in Nigeria to maintain a steady supply of uninterrupted power since December, a significant achievement amidst the challenges facing the nation’s power sector. Cliff Eneh, a leading indigenous electric power consultant and former senior manager at the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), acknowledged this milestone in a public statement made available to the press. He praised Aba Power for setting a remarkable record of uninterrupted service, which is a first for a DisCo in Nigeria in recent years.
“Aba Power deserves praise for achieving the feat of being Nigeria’s first DisCo in years to supply uninterrupted power for almost one month,” Engr. Eneh declared. He further emphasized the significance of this achievement, particularly given the challenging circumstances. “Even when Heirs Energies, which operates the 188-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba and provides Aba Power with electricity, advised the DisCo to shut down its plant due to pipeline tampering by oil thieves, Aba Power opted to import electricity from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) at a high cost, ensuring that their customers were not left in darkness.”
Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest and 12th DisCo, was officially commissioned on February 26, 2024, by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Despite being a new entrant in the highly competitive power sector, Aba Power’s commitment to providing constant electricity to its customers in Aba and surrounding areas has set it apart from the rest. Engr. Eneh, who has also worked with Texas Power and Light in Dallas, USA, revealed that just 17 hours after Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) addressed the technical disruptions caused by vandals, electricity supply was fully restored in the Aba Ringfence, which covers nine of Abia State’s 17 Local Government Areas.
“There is still hope for our country if such a young company, which was forced to suspend operations for 20 years due to the abuse of the privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in 2013, could demonstrate such professionalism and dedication to the public good,” added Engr. Eneh, who also served as an academic and researcher in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at a higher institution in Lagos.
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Engr. Eneh expressed optimism that Aba Power’s success signals that uninterrupted, quality, and affordable electricity may soon be within reach for the entire Aba Ringfence area. “This shows that uninterrupted, quality, and affordable electricity to all in the Aba Ringfence may be nearer than most people expect,” he said.
He also urged the other 11 DisCos across Nigeria to view Aba Power’s success as a challenge to improve their own services in the national interest. “The achievements of Aba Power should serve as a model for the other DisCos in the country to rise to the occasion, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to stable and reliable electricity.”
Additionally, Engr. Eneh called for urgent measures to address the gas supply crisis that affects thermal power plants across Nigeria. “Nigeria cannot be the world’s 9th largest gas reserve and yet struggle to provide adequate gas for power generation,” he said, pointing out the severe socioeconomic and political repercussions caused by this issue. He also stressed the need for technological solutions to curb the activities of vandals, noting that the effective use of technology could greatly reduce the disruption caused by illegal activities.
In conclusion, Aba Power’s achievement stands as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s energy sector. It demonstrates that with professionalism, dedication, and innovation, it is possible to overcome the challenges of providing uninterrupted power, even in a country facing significant obstacles. As the nation moves forward, Engr. Eneh’s call for other DisCos to rise to the challenge and for authorities to address the underlying issues in gas supply and vandalism offers a constructive path for achieving nationwide energy security.
