Governor Chukwuma Soludo has invited investors to explore opportunities in Anambra State’s electricity market, declaring the state ready for business as his administration intensifies efforts to bridge the power deficit affecting industrial and economic growth.
Soludo made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the maiden Electricity Market Investment Roundtable organised by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
The governor disclosed that Anambra requires approximately 1,000 megawatts of electricity to adequately power its economy but currently receives only about 120 megawatts, describing the gap as both a major challenge and a significant investment opportunity.
“This is not just another function coming to lament. Without electricity, there will be no manufacturing. Without energy, little else can happen. For us, it is very consequential. We are here to do business. Anambra is ready for business,” he declared.
He urged investors to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in the state’s electricity market, particularly those associated with the proposed Mixed Industrial City and aerotropolis.
Soludo challenged participants to move beyond discussions and develop a practical, measurable and verifiable roadmap for addressing the state’s electricity deficit.
“Tell us when, where and how. Let’s get the plan, a clear roadmap, actionable, verifiable roadmap. Anambra is a land of opportunities. This is a summit for closing deals. Let’s get it done,” the governor charged.
Declaring the roundtable open, Soludo reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private-sector participation in the electricity market. He expressed optimism that electricity supply in the state would receive a significant boost, given the growing interest of private investors in the sector.
In their separate remarks, electricity industry stakeholders outlined strategies for improving power generation and distribution to enhance the ease of doing business in Anambra.
The Chairman of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Sir Emeka Offor, whose speech was read by Engineer Vincent Ekwekwu, commended Soludo’s administration for recognising the critical role of electricity in the state’s transformation and pursuing an ambitious target of 1,000MW.
He noted that the initiative would strengthen industries, expand businesses, create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life of residents.
Offor assured that FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, an EEDC subsidiary, fully supports the governor’s vision and remains committed to contributing meaningfully to its achievement.
Also speaking, the Chairman of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Engineer Okechukwu Okafor, said the company was aligned with the state government’s vision of using reliable electricity to drive technology, industrial development and improved living standards.
He disclosed that FirstPower was making strategic investments in its distribution network through completed, ongoing and approved projects aimed at expanding its capacity.
According to him, the company had completed verifiable projects worth approximately ₦3.7 billion as of November 2026, while projects valued at about ₦16 billion had been approved and were at various stages of contracting.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Ofoegbu, disclosed that the state government had taken an inventory of undeveloped gas wells across the state for possible development and transportation to support energy production.
He emphasized that natural gas remained a major source of electricity generation and should be adequately explored to achieve stable power supply.
During a panel discussion, stakeholders, including the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, and the National President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of JUHEL Pharmaceutical, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye and Mr. Mark Okoye offered recommendations on addressing the state’s electricity challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited and two companies.
The agreements were signed with Capstone Energies Limited for the distributed embedded supply of 50MW of electricity and North South Company Limited for the supply of an additional 17MW.
The agreements represent part of ongoing efforts to attract private investment and strengthen electricity supply in Anambra State.
