Aba Industrialists Celebrate as Geometric Power Flags Off 42km Ukwa 33kV Line

In a significant boost to industrial development in Nigeria’s southeastern region, Aba Power Electric Limited (APLE), a subsidiary of the Geometric Power Group, officially flagged off the construction of a dedicated 42-kilometer Ukwa 33kV industrial power line on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The ceremony, held in Aba, marked a milestone in the company’s mission to provide reliable and efficient electricity to the industrial hub of Abia State, further solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s power sector.

The event saw the presence of key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Geometric Power Limited, Professor Barth Nnaji, alongside industrialists, community leaders, and representatives from APLE. The new 33kV line, stretching from Ukwa to Aba, is designed to cater exclusively to the power needs of industrialists within the Aba metropolis, a region renowned for its vibrant manufacturing and commercial activities.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Professor Nnaji emphasized the transformative potential of the project. “This dedicated line is a game-changer for Aba’s industrial sector. It ensures that businesses no longer have to rely on inconsistent power supply or expensive self-generation. Our goal is to empower industries, create jobs, and drive economic growth in Abia State and beyond,” he said.

The 42km Ukwa 33kV line is an extension of Geometric Power’s ambitious Aba Integrated Power Project, which already includes a 141-megawatt thermal power plant in Osisioma and a 27-kilometer natural gas pipeline from Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area. With the capacity to expand to 188MW, the project has positioned Aba as a model for private-sector-led power solutions in Nigeria. APLE, the distribution arm of the Geometric Power Group, services nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas, known collectively as the Aba Ring-Fenced Area.

Industrialists in Aba expressed jubilation at the development, noting that reliable electricity has long been a bottleneck for their operations. Chief Emmanuel Okafor, a local manufacturer, hailed the initiative: “For years, we’ve struggled with power outages and the high cost of running generators. This new line gives us hope that our businesses can thrive again.”

The Ukwa 33kV industrial line is expected to alleviate pressure on existing distribution networks by providing a dedicated power supply to major industrial clusters. It will also complement the company’s recent efforts to rehabilitate vandalized infrastructure and expand metering programs across the region. APLE officials revealed that the project includes state-of-the-art equipment to ensure durability and efficiency, even in the face of potential challenges like natural disasters.

The flag-off comes just over a year after the commissioning of the Geometric Power Plant by Vice President Kashim Shettima on February 25, 2024, an event that marked the culmination of nearly two decades of perseverance by Professor Nnaji and his team. That $800 million investment, the largest in the Southeast, has already begun to reshape Aba’s economic landscape, with promises of 24-hour power supply inching closer to reality.

Community leaders also lauded the collaboration between Geometric Power and local stakeholders, including the Nigerian Navy, which has supported efforts to secure power infrastructure against vandalism. “This is a partnership that works for the people,” said Engr. Joseph Onyekachi, Secretary of the Southeastern Zone of the Electricity Consumers of Nigeria (ECAN). “We urge residents to protect these facilities and pay their bills promptly to sustain this progress.”

As construction begins, APLE has assured residents that the project will adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards, with completion expected to further accelerate socioeconomic development in the region. For Aba, long dubbed the “China of Nigeria” for its entrepreneurial spirit, the Ukwa 33kV line represents a new chapter—one powered by innovation, resilience, and a vision for a brighter future.