By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, July 24, 2026
The Abia Government on Friday commenced the distribution of electricity transformers to 50 communities across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to improve power supply.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, said the exercise was in line with Gov. Alex Otti’s directive to strengthen electricity infrastructure and expand access to power, particularly in underserved communities.
Monday said that the transformers would be deployed to communities within the Aba and Umuahia electricity networks, as well as other parts of the state, to boost electricity distribution.
He said that the initiative was targeted at communities that had remained without electricity due to faulty or unavailable transformers.
“This is the first batch of distribution to 50 communities across the state.
“We intend to commence the second batch within the third quarter of the year, which will cover another 50 communities. It is a continuous exercise,” he said.
The commissioner said beneficiaries were selected strictly on the basis of need, following assessments conducted by the ministry.
He explained that although many communities submitted requests, priority was given to those without functional transformers, while applications were also treated on a first-come, first-served basis where appropriate.
According to him, communities receiving the transformers are required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ministry, committing to safeguard the installations against vandalism.
He said the arrangement was aimed at ensuring community ownership and protecting the investment.
Monday commended the state government’s efforts to strengthen security through the military, police, Homeland Security and community vigilantes.
He, however, urged residents to take responsibility for protecting public infrastructure, noting that vandalism of transformers would plunge entire communities into darkness.
He added that designated representatives of beneficiary communities would be held accountable under the terms of the MoU signed with the ministry.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiary communities, the member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency in the Abia House of Assembly,Mr Anthony Chinasa Abiola, and the President-General of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu, Engr. Victor Ihediwa, expressed gratitude to Gov. Alex Otti for his commitment to improving electricity supply across the state.
They also commended the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, for ensuring a transparent and seamless distribution of the transformers.
The duo pledged that the beneficiary communities would protect the transformers from vandalism and ensure they were properly maintained for the benefit of residents.
