Key Takeaways
- Power outages in Aba have lasted for more than two weeks.
- Geometric Power Aba Limited attributes the situation to disruptions in gas supply.
- Residents are suffering financial losses and are calling for alternative power solutions.
UMUAHIA — Residents and business owners across the nine local government areas of the Ukwa Ngwa zone in Abia State are expressing their deep frustration over a power outage that has now extended beyond two weeks. This prolonged blackout has significantly disrupted their daily lives and caused substantial losses to local businesses.
Geometric Power Aba Limited (GPAL), the responsible operator for the Aba Ring-fenced Area, has openly admitted to its inability to supply electricity to the city during this period due to a failure in sourcing gas from its supplier. The unrest in gas supply has left many residents in distress.
Local entrepreneurs have been vocal about the impact of the outage. A restaurant owner, known only as Jerry from the Umungasi area of Aba North, revealed that he may soon have to close his establishments as the costs of alternative power sources soar. He shared that he spends approximately ₦50,000 daily to keep his two restaurants operational amidst the chaos.
“The situation is dire. The high cost of fuel, managing overheads, paying employees, and just trying to sustain my family has become overwhelming,” Jerry lamented. Fuel prices have surged to around ₦1,300 per liter, intensifying the financial strain on him and others in the community.
Moreover, an ice and sachet water producer indicated that she has halted production altogether, citing the inability to bear the costs associated with running her generator due to the ongoing power crisis.
Another resident, Mrs. Ngozi Nwankwo, voiced that the prolonged blackout has placed additional pressure on her family’s finances, diminishing their ability to preserve food due to the high cost of running their refrigerator.
In light of these challenges, some community members are urging the Federal Government to permit another electricity company to serve the Aba area, hoping for a solution to their ongoing power struggles.
Prof Barth Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power, addressed the situation during a recent fact-finding mission by members of the Abia State House of Assembly. He explained that the company has suffered disruptions due to equipment failures at its gas supplier, Heirs Energy, located at the Associated Gas Gathering Plant in Obigbo, Rivers State.
Apologizing for the inconveniences caused, Nnaji emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to resolve gas supply issues affecting the broader power sector. Notably, he highlighted a significant concern: around 73 percent of Nigeria’s electricity is generated from gas-fired power plants, underscoring the critical role gas supply plays in energy provision across the nation.
“Nigeria cannot be among the six countries with the largest natural gas reserves in the world and still be experiencing recurring gas-related power crises,” he stated. This raises critical questions about infrastructure and resource management in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Why This Matters
The ongoing power outage in Aba highlights the fragility of the energy supply chain in Nigeria, revealing the vast implications for local economies and daily life. Immediate steps must be taken to address the systemic issues in gas supply to prevent further disruptions and restore livability and operational stability for residents and businesses alike.