By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has acknowledged that electricity is essential to technology, manufacturing, development, industrialisation, productivity and every aspect of life, including consumption in the state. “For us to power a technology-driven economy—technology everywhere, everything technology—we need energy and electricity, for without it, little can happen.”
The governor made the remark at the Anambra State Electricity Market Investment Roundtable, organised by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) and held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) on November 12.
He said Anambra needs close to a thousand megawatts of electricity but currently probably gets only about 102 to 120 megawatts from the national grid, highlighting the gap between what is needed and what is available. “The lamentation and opportunity are already spelt out…this is where we need to be, this is where we are, and the gap is what we need to fill in, and that is the purpose of this summit.
“The regulatory commission is there; they have put together a very firm, robust regulatory framework for an effective, efficient and robust electricity market in the state. On our part, I am sure the information, the survey, the deeds, and whatever you need to participate in that market are ready for us to play; the rest is with you. So tell us when, where and how you are going to participate to fill in this one thousand megawatts of need,” he said.
Governor Soludo said Anambra is a land of infinite opportunities and possibilities, ready for business not only in the electricity market but also in other markets. “This is so dear to us, and we are ready to move to the next stage because we are developing Anambra to become a commercial, industrial and technological hub. We have our new industrial city coming up, an aerotropolis on course and our silicone valley innovation district that will be commissioned in March next year,” he added.
Those present at the roundtable included the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Ben Nwankwo; and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye.
Others included the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), Sir Emeka Offor; Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndu; and representatives of electricity companies, investors, financial institutions and development partners.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
