Abia State Concludes Negotiations On Acquisition Of Interstate Electric’s 60% Assets In EEDC, Awards Contracts For Five Major Roads

The Abia State Government has successfully concluded negotiations on its bid to acquire a 60 percent stake in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) assets within the state, following the acceptance of its offer by Interstate Electrics.

This milestone marks a significant step toward the state’s vision of achieving energy independence and control over power generation, regulation, and distribution in the eight ring-fenced Local Government Areas of Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Zones.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday during a media briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, following the weekly State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu described the development as a major leap in the administration’s plan to strengthen the power sector and drive industrial and economic growth across Abia.

“The long-anticipated bid to acquire 60 percent of EEDC assets in the state has come to fruition with the acceptance of the state government’s offer by Interstate Electrics,” Kanu announced.

“With this development, the affected eight local government areas will soon experience a new lease of life in power supply, which will translate into improved productivity, business expansion, and better living standards for residents,” he added.

He assured that further details on the transaction would be made public as implementation progresses, emphasizing that the acquisition aligns with Governor Otti’s reform-driven agenda to position Abia as a hub for sustainable energy and private-sector-led growth.

In a related update, Kanu announced that the State Executive Council has approved the restoration of electricity to Ohafia, which has been without power for several years. He noted that the initiative will support the Greater Ohafia Development Authority’s (GODA) plans for the area’s socio-economic renewal.

The Commissioner also revealed that the state government has awarded contracts for the construction of five major roads across the state. Two of the roads—the 25 km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and the 13.1 km Ariam–Usaka Ring Road in Ikwuano LGA—will be officially flagged off on Friday, October 24.

Other roads approved for construction include the 9.35 km Ihechiowa–Arochukwu Ring Road, the 4.9 km Isieketa–Mba Itungwa–Mgbedeala Road in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, and the 3.72 km Ogidi–Umuala Eziama Ntigha Road in Isiala Ngwa North LGA.

“These projects are part of the administration’s ongoing road infrastructure revolution. When completed, they will open up rural communities, stimulate economic activities, and enhance accessibility across the state,” Kanu said.

He further announced that Abia State will join the rest of the world on October 15 to mark this year’s World Food Day, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.” The event will be held at the International Conference Center, Umuahia.

According to him, the theme emphasizes collective efforts in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems. He urged agricultural stakeholders to collaborate in ending hunger, improving nutrition, and securing a sustainable food future for all.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, confirmed that the state has finalized discussions with Interstate Electric, owners of 60 percent of EEDC’s assets in Abia. He said the next phase of the transaction would now commence.

He also provided updates on the long-awaited restoration of power in Ohafia.

“We’ve concluded all plans, and the state government has approved the project. Mobilization to site begins this week. We’re working closely with the Greater Ohafia Development Authority and community stakeholders. Our goal is to restore electricity to Ohafia before the end of this year,” he stated.

The briefing was also attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the State Director of Information, Lady Chika Orji-Nwoke.