Umuahia, July 25, 2025 – Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has disclosed that the state government is in advanced negotiations to assume full responsibility for electricity distribution in eight Local Government Areas currently serviced by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
The governor made this known while addressing a delegation during a state executive meeting, where he revealed that discussions with the power firm have reached a critical stage. He expressed optimism that Abia will soon secure control over electricity supply in these regions, in line with the administration’s broader objective of energy reform and infrastructural self-sufficiency.
According to Governor Otti, the move is in line with the newly decentralised electricity regulatory framework in Nigeria, which empowers sub-national governments to manage and regulate power generation, transmission, and distribution within their territories. This shift, he said, would enable the state to tackle persistent electricity challenges more directly and effectively.
“We are finalising arrangements that will see Abia State take over electricity distribution in eight LGAs under EEDC’s control. This is part of our commitment to ensuring stable, reliable, and affordable power supply to drive industrial growth and economic revival,” Governor Otti stated.
He added that the planned transition would involve strategic investments in grid infrastructure, collaboration with independent power providers, and the deployment of smart technology to monitor and manage supply more efficiently.
Residents in affected local government areas are expected to benefit from improved service delivery, reduced power outages, and a more accountable electricity management system. Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Abia as a model of subnational development through reforms in power, education, health, and governance.
The EEDC is yet to release a formal statement regarding the proposed handover, but sources within the state government indicate that a Memorandum of Understanding may be signed in the coming weeks.
