Residents of Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State are celebrating as electricity flows into their communities for the first time in more than 20 years.
The supply comes from Aba Power electricity distribution company, based in Aba, Abia State.
“My joy knows no bounds,” said Chima Njoku, chairman of Etche LGA, speaking to a crowd gathered at his office. “For the first time in years, our people have constant, affordable, and quality electricity.”
Many residents have endured long-term power shortages. Mrs Bernadette Obi, a fish business owner in Umuola, one of the newly connected communities, said the development had transformed her daily life and business. She praised Njoku for fulfilling a campaign promise to address the area’s chronic electricity problems, noting that he had provided distribution transformers to ensure all communities benefited.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAba Power confirmed the supply, with the company’s Senior Brand and Communications Manager, Edise Ekong, saying the initiative began when Chief Njoku approached the utility directly.
“Initially, we were sceptical since the area falls under the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company’s jurisdiction,” Ekong said. “Through discussions with the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, an agreement was reached to allow Aba Power supply to the communities.”
He added that power had been uninterrupted for a week and that residents were enjoying both quality supply and affordable tariffs. He also warned that interruptions could occur only in cases of vandalism or accidental damage.
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Aba Power is now in talks with other state governments, communities, and manufacturing firms outside Abia State’s Aba Ring-fenced Area to expand its supply network.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
