Etche LGA of Rivers State Receives Electricity Supply After a Decade of Darkness
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Joy and excitement have swept through communities in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State following the restoration of electricity supply after more than a decade without power.
The electricity is being provided by Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest power distribution company (DisCo), headquartered in Aba, Abia State.
Residents say the development marks a significant turning point for the area, which was previously under the jurisdiction of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
Communities Celebrate Restoration
Mrs. Bernadette Obi, a fish business owner in Umuola, one of the benefiting communities, described the restoration as life-changing. According to her, the area had been in darkness for over ten years, severely affecting businesses and livelihoods.
The Chairman of Etche LGA, Hon. Chima Njoku, reportedly initiated discussions with Aba Power to secure electricity supply for the communities.
Regulatory Approval and Collaboration
Senior Brand and Communication Manager of Aba Power, Mr. Edise Ekong, confirmed that the company was initially sceptical about extending supply, as Etche LGA falls within PHEDC’s jurisdiction.
“Arising from his persistent pressure, we asked him to contact PHEDC while we engaged the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). All relevant parties consequently reached an agreement for us to supply power to the communities,” Ekong explained.
He expressed satisfaction that residents are pleased not only with the consistency of supply but also with the tariff structure.
Uninterrupted Supply and Future Expansion
According to Ekong, electricity has remained stable since restoration. “It has been a week now that electricity has not blinked for a second in these communities in Rivers State,” he said.
He added that uninterrupted supply would continue as long as there is adequate gas supply and no local disruptions such as vandalism or damage to distribution infrastructure.
Ekong also disclosed that several unnamed state governments, communities, and large manufacturing firms outside the nine of the 17 LGAs in Abia State that make up the Aba Ring-fenced Area are in discussions with Aba Power to secure electricity supply.
The development signals a potential expansion of Aba Power’s operations and renewed hope for communities seeking reliable power supply across the region.
