Governor Alex Otti says his administration is focused on delivering 24-hour electricity supply across Abia State as part of efforts to reduce the high cost of alternative power faced by manufacturers and businesses.

Otti made this known on Monday during the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, an investment forum that brings together investors and policymakers across key sectors of the economy.

He explained that his government prioritised electricity reforms early in its tenure after identifying unreliable power supply as a major barrier to economic growth and efficient market operations in the state.

According to him, progress has already been made in parts of Aba, following the intervention of the privately developed Geometric Power project, which has improved electricity supply in the commercial city.

“Today, Aba has an island that includes eight more local government areas, literally out of the national grid. And Aba has been reinforced as an island. And they have 24-hour power as we speak,” he said.

The governor added that his administration recently signed an arrangement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) aimed at restructuring power management in Umuahia, the state capital, to improve efficiency and reliability.

He also disclosed plans to strengthen the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency to give the state more control over its electricity framework and distribution systems.

Otti noted that the state expects surplus capacity from Geometric Power, which could be extended to Umuahia and other parts of Abia in the coming years.

He stressed that improving electricity supply is central to economic development, noting that energy costs account for a significant portion of production expenses for many industries.

The governor also highlighted achievements in other sectors, saying his administration has implemented a long-term development plan covering infrastructure, health, and transportation since taking office in 2023.

He said the state has completed over 400 roads spanning more than 800 kilometres, while additional road projects are still ongoing to improve connectivity across communities.

In the transport sector, Otti said Abia has introduced 20 electric buses, with plans to bring in another set from China to expand public transportation services.

On healthcare, he said the government has committed 15 per cent of its budget to the sector, renovated hundreds of primary healthcare centres, recruited medical professionals, and is rebuilding several hospitals across the state.

He also revealed plans for a major medical infrastructure project, the Abia Medical City, which he said would require significant investment to reduce medical tourism abroad.

Otti maintained that the goal of his administration is to create an enabling environment where businesses can thrive and residents can access reliable infrastructure and essential services within the state.