Abia State is set to begin accelerated renewable energy deployment in two weeks, Governor Alex Otti has said.
He disclosed this while receiving a high-level delegation from the REA, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV) at Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday.
He pledged to resolve outstanding operational delays and activate existing agreements with the federal agency
Otti acknowledged that Abia is not yet moving as expected on renewable energy deployment, but pledged that the state under his leadership would turn the tide swiftly.
“Just watch us and see what will happen in the next 14 days. It’s very interesting to watch this presentation. I would like to have another session with you because some of the data you captured here are what I need to work with. You can be sure that you will hear from us within the next 14 days, and the lowest-hanging fruit is this initiative covering ten states,” he said.
He also highlighted the state’s strides in rolling out pioneer electric buses noting that they have already yielded positive results for green energy.
He promised the delegation that a state focal person would be appointed immediately to streamline coordination.
Speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, revealed that the agency had mapped the entire country to identify communities requiring rural electrification.
He announced that 1,000 mini-grids were currently being deployed across various states.
Noting that an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Abia State last year had faced delays, Dr. Aliyu reiterated the agency’s full readiness to support Abia once the state demonstrates active commitment to the projects.
