Aba, the bustling commercial hub of Abia State, is set to make history on Monday, February 26, 2024, as President Bola Tinubu inaugurates the Geometric Power plant, the first integrated power plant in Nigeria, situated at the Osisioma Industrial area of Aba.
In anticipation of the commissioning, Turbine 3 was activated at 3:39 pm on Sunday, February 25, 2024, leading to exuberant celebrations among Geometric Power engineers and their KS Energy counterparts.
Originally scheduled for inauguration on Saturday, February 24, the 181-megawatt Geometric Power plant represents a significant investment, valued at about $800 million.
The plant is set to supply electricity to Aba Power Limited Electric, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company (DISCO), serving nine out of the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.
Described as the largest investment in the South-East Zone of Nigeria, Geometric Power has undertaken an integrated power project, including constructing a 27-kilometre natural gas pipeline and installing 150,000 kilometres of cables and wires.
The Managing Director of Geometric Power Ltd, Ben Caven, highlighted the substantial efforts involved in installing new power substations and refurbishing existing ones.
The Geometric Power Group, founded by Professor Bart Nnaji, embarked on this ambitious project to address the longstanding issue of erratic power supply faced by industrialists in Aba, known as the center of indigenous manufacturing in Nigeria.
Patrick Umeh, former commissioner at the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, praised the infrastructure deployed by Geometric Power, noting the high-quality tubular poles that are deeply rooted, ensuring stability even in the face of natural disasters.
The inauguration of the Geometric Power plant holds great promise for the industrialization of Aba and the entire South-East region, according to various stakeholders.
President-General of Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association (ALPANDA), Alphonsus Udeigbo, expressed relief, stating, “Electricity was rarely available in Aba, and when it was available, it was so poor that it couldn’t power your household appliances, let alone industrial machines.”
Former president of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Andy Ubah Obasi, emphasized the positive impact of Geometric Power on industrialization, stating, “The business community has been anxiously waiting for this, and we are glad that it has finally arrived.”
The inauguration of the Geometric Power plant is seen as a transformative moment not only for Aba or Abia State but for the entire country, marking a new era in reliable power supply and industrial growth.
