By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has made a strong case for power-sector investors to look to Anambra State for an upgrade from 120MW to 1000 Megawatts.

Speaking at the maiden Electricity Market Investment Roundtable, organized by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) held at the International Convention Centre in Awka, Soludo described Anambra State as one ready for investors.

According to the Governor, there will be no manufacturing without energy.

He added: “For us, it is very consequential. We are here to do business. Anambra is ready for business.

“There are investment opportunities at the Mixed Industrial City with an aerotropolis.

“I call on investors to explore many available investment opportunities.”

Declaring the roundtable open, Soludo took the audience through the expected outcome of the gathering as well as some of the challenges of energy in Anambra State, noting that the state needs about 1000 megawatts, but currently gets about 120 megawatts.

The Governor added: “The gap in between is what we are trying to fill, and that is why we are here. Tell us when, where, and how. That is what this is all about. Let’s get the plan, a clear roadmap, and an actionable, verifiable roadmap.

“Anambra is a land of opportunities. This is a summit for closing deals. Let’s get it done.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of ASERC, Professor Frank Okafor, thanked the Governor for leading the innovation on energy in Anambra.

He observed that there is a substantial power deficit in Anambra State adding that such is what the roundtable intends to address.

He said: “We are here to think together, and come up with a solution that will help sort the challenge.”

On his part, the chairman of the event, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, a telecom expert described Governor Soludo as one with capacity to make the necessary changes.

He however expressed interest in investing in the electricity reforms in Anambra State, saying, “I want to be a player in the electricity revolution that is coming up in Anambra State.

“I urge the government to also own stakes in companies coming to invest in power in Anambra State. It’s a vote of confidence.”

Harping on the energy challenge in Anambra State, Engr Ndukwe said that tariff methodology which he described as a strong regulatory framework, among others, will strengthen attraction for private sector investment in the power sector in the state.

The event was attended by officials of the Government of Anambra State, including stakeholders in the power sector across Nigeria, like, Sir Emeka Offor, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association; Afam Osigwe, SAN, Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); Dr. Musiliu Oseni, MD of First Power, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, among others.