Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pledged to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects in the state, promising progress within the next 14 days.
Otti made the commitment when a delegation from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and other federal agencies visited the Abia State Government House on Thursday.
The governor said his administration would work with the Federal Government to resolve outstanding operational issues and activate existing agreements aimed at improving electricity supply across the state.
“Just watch us and see what will happen in the next 14 days. You can be sure that you will hear from us within the next 14 days, and the lowest-hanging fruit is this initiative covering ten states,” Otti said.
The governor’s remarks come amid continued efforts by the Federal Government and state governments to expand access to alternative energy sources, particularly in communities facing unreliable electricity supply.
Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the Federal Government had mapped communities across the country to identify areas requiring rural electrification.
Aliyu also disclosed that 1,000 mini-grids were being deployed across various states as part of efforts to address electricity supply challenges.
The proposed renewable energy initiatives could provide an alternative source of electricity for communities affected by persistent power shortages.
The development comes after the Abia State House of Assembly raised concerns over a blackout affecting parts of the state, reportedly linked to a gas supply shortage affecting Aba Power Limited.
Otti’s 14-day timeline is now expected to be closely watched as the state government works with federal agencies to advance the planned renewable energy initiatives.