By Azuka Offor
Anambra State has resolved to move beyond dependence on bulk electricity supply from the national grid, with the state government seeking sustainable investment driven solutions to address persistent power challenges and accelerate economic growth.
The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, made this known during the maiden Anambra State Electricity Market Investment Roundtable held on Nov. 12, at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka. The event was declared open by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Agummadu described the roundtable as a significant step towards addressing the state’s electricity challenges, emphasising the need to develop a reliable, sustainable and investment friendly electricity market capable of supporting businesses, industries and other economic activities.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo challenged stakeholders to develop an actionable and verifiable roadmap for bridging Anambra’s electricity supply gap.
He disclosed that the state requires at least 1,000 megawatts of electricity to adequately meet its growing economic and industrial needs, compared with the little over 100 megawatts it currently receives from the national grid.
The Governor stressed that electricity remains fundamental to economic development, noting that virtually every sector depends on consistent power supply to function effectively.
He urged participants to produce a practical document that would receive prompt government attention, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to positioning Anambra as a leading destination for investment.
Among the prominent stakeholders at the event were the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Sir Emeka Offor, and telecommunications industry expert, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, who chaired the occasion.
Ndukwe commended the state government and the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission for convening the roundtable, describing private sector participation as critical to building a sustainable electricity market.
He encouraged investors to explore opportunities across the electricity value chain, particularly in power generation and gas development, to strengthen energy availability, pledging his support towards achieving the objectives of the initiative.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Professor Frank Okafor, explained that the roundtable was organised in response to the urgent need to increase electricity generation to meet the demands of the state’s growing business community.
He expressed confidence that the wealth of expertise assembled at the gathering would produce practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting the state’s electricity market.
The roundtable is expected to strengthen collaboration among government, investors and electricity market operators, identify investment opportunities and develop strategies for improving power supply, accelerating industrialisation and driving economic prosperity across Anambra State.
Azuka Offor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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