Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has signed into use the Abia Mini-Grid Regulation framework, a document aimed at opening and unleashing private sector-driven investment in the Abia State Electricity Generation and Distribution to the unserved and underserved communities across the State.

Signing the memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, September 10th at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti said that the event is the climax of several months of planning, stakeholder engagements, confidence building, ideation, and reviews by policy experts, investors, and energy consumers.

“We have gathered this afternoon to collectively adopt a new framework that would not only expand our options in the push for reliable electricity for everyone, but would ultimately serve as a catalyst for the industrialisation of Abia and economic fulfilment for millions of individuals.

“The formal adoption of the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulation Framework marks the dawn of a new era for households and businesses.

“The formalisation and adoption of the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulatory architecture is also hinged on the new legal framework, which empowers States, private investors, and institutions to invest in the electricity value-chain to extend access to millions of persons, especially in underserved and unserved communities, ” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor explained that, Abia State Mini-Grid Regulatory Framework provides unambiguous answers to technical and commercial questions from investors and consumers alike, defining the rights and obligations of stakeholders, and offers pathways to speedy resolution of disputes.

Governor Otti, while appreciating the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for their support and commitment to the successful delivery of the project, announced to the overseas partners of Abia State Government, that the initiative is closely aligned to the State’s common pursuit of a carbon-neutral future, saying that ISA, has proven to be a reliable partner.

He assured members of the international community that his administration is in sync with the global demands for higher volumes of investments in the renewable energy space.

In an address, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities Engr. Ikechukwu Monday described the Abia Mini-Grid Regulation Framework as a policy document that sets a solid foundation to unlock access to electricity for unserved and underserved communities in line with the statewide energy development program of the State Government.

He said that with the regulation, the State has become one of the first sub-national Governments in the country to formally establish a clear, legal and institutional framework for mini-grid development, a development that sends a strong signal to investors, developers and citizens that Abia is open for energy innovations.

The representative of International Solar Alliance (ISA), Ms. Onyi Iyizoba while presenting the mini-grid regulations said that the event marks a significant milestone for Abia State and Nigeria’s broader energy access and transition efforts, noting that the commitment shown by the State Government in creating an enabling framework for the Mini-Grid, is a testament to the strong dedication of Governor Otti to improving energy access and security.

She expressed the hope that the mini-grid regulations will unlock new Investments, accelerate rural electrification, and enhance the quality of life and businesses for countless residents across the State.

Presenting the key aspects of the Mini-Grid, Mr Joanis Holzigel while noting that Abia is the first to adopt a mini-grid regulation framework, added that the new framework guarantees registration and permitting procedures and timelines, tariff settings and review process, considers community engagement, and promotes rural industrialisation.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the SA on Energy, Engr. Kachi Etolue and other senior Government appointees.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
10 – 09 – 2025.