Locals and entrepreneurs across the nine local government areas in the Ukwa Ngwa zone of Abia State are grappling with the consequences of a power outage that has stretched into its third week. Geometric Power Aba Limited, which oversees the Aba Ring-fenced Area, has struggled to maintain service, citing a critical lack of gas from its primary supplier.
For many business owners, the situation is becoming unsustainable. Jerry, who manages two eateries in Umungasi and Ogbor Hill, reports spending ₦50,000 each day on fuel to keep his operations running. With fuel prices hitting ₦1,300 per litre, he warns that he may be forced to close his shops permanently. Similarly, a local water producer has halted operations entirely, unable to justify the mounting costs of running a generator.
Residents like Mrs. Ngozi Nwankwo are also feeling the weight of the crisis, struggling to pay for the fuel required to preserve food at home. Frustrated by the lack of supply, some community members have urged the Federal Government to license alternative power providers for the region.
During a visit from members of the Abia State House of Assembly, Geometric Power Chairman Prof. Barth Nnaji explained that the outage originated from mechanical failures at the Obigbo gas plant managed by Heirs Energy. Nnaji apologized to the public and highlighted the broader issue of gas dependency, noting that 73 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity depends on gas-fired plants. He urged the government to prioritize long-term stability for the sector to prevent similar crises in the future.
