Otti unveils electricity regulation to tackle rural-urban migration

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, yesterday signed the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulation, a policy he said would open up the state’s electricity market to competent investors and improve power generation and distribution to unserved and underserved communities.

Speaking at the Government House, Umuahia, Otti explained that the new framework was designed to reduce rural-urban migration, lower the cost of doing business, and tackle poverty across the state.

He noted that the policy draws strength from the 2024 Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu, which decentralized the electricity market. According to him, the introduction of mini-grid solutions would create jobs and boost livelihoods, particularly in the agricultural value chain.

The governor observed that many rural dwellers migrate to urban centres due to poor electricity supply, stressing that mini-grids would make communities more liveable for those who prefer quieter environments.

“It would cut down the rate of rural-urban migration and make our communities liveable, especially for those who prefer the quiet and less-aggressive life in the suburban centres,” Otti said.

He assured that the regulations would not threaten the interests of dominant players in the power sector but rather provide opportunities for all capable investors to add value.

Otti further pledged that rural communities currently disconnected from the national grid or living in total darkness would benefit from short- to medium-term energy solutions through the establishment of mini-grids.