Efforts by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, are poised to bring electricity to the communities of Okigwe and surrounding areas, according to assurances from Senator Chiwuba Patrick Ndubueze, who represents Imo North in the National Assembly.
Senator Ndubueze, who also serves as the Chairman of the Imo Power Improvement Task Force, stated that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) to oversee the electricity market within the state. This approval will facilitate the provision of electricity to Okigwe and nearby local governments that have been without power for years.
Effective from July 1, 2024, ISERC will become the fourth state entity in Nigeria to gain regulatory control over its electricity market, following Enugu, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
Senator Ndubueze highlighted that the affected communities have endured fifteen years of darkness due to alleged sabotage by the NERC Managing Director in charge of the area. With ISERC now operational, these communities will soon have electricity.
“Thanks to the Governor’s efforts, we’ve secured a Mobile Substation of 1/60 capacity, enabling us to distribute 48 Megawatts. We pray there will be no further sabotage,” Ndubueze said.
He added that many parts of the state have experienced only occasional power flashes. The power plant in Okigwe, a 2/30 Power Plant, has been abandoned for 23 years after being awarded in 2001 and 2002 and subsequently vandalized due to lack of security.
“Okigwe, an ancient town with a university, hotels, and factories, has been deprived of electricity, which has fostered insecurity and underdevelopment,” he lamented.
The Governor’s hard work has led to the establishment of the Imo Electricity Distribution Company, with NERC granting the state’s electricity commission permission to generate and transmit electricity. Governor Uzodimma is committed to providing electricity to every community in the state, Ndubueze added.
Hon. Chidi Nwogu, a member of the Imo Power Improvement Task Force and former House of Representatives member, praised Governor Uzodimma for his support in achieving this milestone. Nwogu said, “We commend our Governor for his efforts and support in pushing the Imo Power Improvement Task Force towards this achievement.”
Senator Ndubueze called for the dismissal of the unnamed Managing Director accused of sabotaging past efforts and promoting insecurity by refusing to ensure electricity provision. He urged NERC to take action against such individuals to prevent further delays.
“The electricity issue in Okigwe and other communities is our top priority. If not for previous sabotage, we would have had power by now,” he stated.