Chinedum Treasure
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called for actionable, verifiable roadmap towards closing gap in the electricity market in the state.
He said the state needed at least 1000 megawatts of electricity for businesses to thrive as against the little above 100 megawatts currently being received from the national grid.
Soludo spoke at the Electricity Market Investment Roundtable organised by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) held in Awka, the state capital.
He described electricity as foundational as everything required power, reassuring the state’s readiness for business not just in electricity but in all sectors.
He said, “Anambra currently receives only about 120 megawatts. Without electricity, there will be no manufacturing. Without energy, only little can happen.
“For us, it is very consequential. We are here to do business. Anambra is ready for business,” the governor declared.
Reiterating his administration’s determination to create enabling environment for private-sector participation in the electricity market, Soludo urged investors to take advantage of numerous opportunities in the market, particularly those connected with the state’s proposed Mixed Industrial City and aerotropolis.
The Chairman of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Sir Emeka Offor lauded Soludo’s administration for recognising critical role of electricity in the state’s transformation and pursuing an ambitious target of 1,000MW.
Offor, represented by Engr Vincent Ekwekwu said the initiative would strengthen industries, expand businesses, create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life of residents.
“FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, an EEDC subsidiary, fully supports the governor’s vision and remains committed to contributing meaningfully to its achievement,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, ASERC, Prof Frank Okafor, commended the governor for driving innovation and reforms in the state’s energy sector.
He acknowledged the substantial electricity deficit in Anambra, explaining that the roundtable was convened to bring stakeholders together to develop practical solutions to the challenge.
Former chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, who chaired the event, noted that Governor Soludo has the capacity to deliver the changes required in the state’s electricity sector.
He expressed personal interest in participating in the emerging electricity market, adding, “I want to be a player in the electricity revolution that is coming up in Anambra State.”
He advised the state government to consider taking equity stakes in companies investing in electricity infrastructure in Anambra State, describing such participation as a strong vote of confidence that could encourage other investors.
He observed that some of the challenges confronting the sector include appropriate tariff methodology and a strong regulatory framework, which he described as essential to attracting private investment and ensuring the sustainability of electricity reforms.
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