Scaling Power for Progress: EEDC Signs Landmark MoU with Anambra State Government
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) and the Government of Anambra State have entered into a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at strengthening energy security, expanding universal electricity access, and significantly improving power supply to the people of Anambra State.
The partnership was formally sealed on March 24, 2023, during a signing ceremony held at the ANSEC Chamber, Government House, Awka, and presided over by the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo. The agreement signals a critical step forward in the state’s development strategy and its desire to provide practical dividends of democracy to its residents.
Importantly, Anambra State is not “taking over” EEDC in the sense of outright ownership. Instead, this is a collaborative effort— a strategic partnership between the Anambra State Government and EEDC (Enugu Electricity Distribution Company)— focused on improving energy access, reliability, and service delivery. The collaboration aims to resolve pressing issues such as inadequate power supply, poor customer service, and inefficiencies in energy infrastructure.
Key Aspects of the Partnership
1. MoU Signed: The MoU between the Anambra State Government and EEDC was signed on March 24, 2023, with attendance from top government officials and senior management of EEDC. This ceremony marks the beginning of what both parties hope will be a transformational relationship.
2. Aims of the MoU: The MoU is designed to:
- Provide energy security
- Extend universal electricity access
- Improve customer service
- Enhance operational and commercial efficiencies
- Address long-standing challenges in the state’s power sector
3. Improved Power Supply: One of the major goals of the partnership is to ensure a minimum of 18 hours of electricity supply daily to major cities and commercial hubs across Anambra State. This would represent a vast improvement over the inconsistent and often inadequate power currently experienced in many parts of the state.
4. Infrastructure Development: The collaboration includes plans to roll out additional power distribution infrastructure, such as new substations, feeder lines, and transformers, which will increase both the reliability and quality of power supply. These developments are key to making Anambra State a more livable and investor-friendly environment.
5. State Legislation: Governor Soludo’s administration is also working on a new electricity law specific to Anambra State. This legislation is expected to create an enabling legal and regulatory framework that addresses sector-wide issues, including metering challenges, high connection costs, illegal billing practices, and the promotion of renewable energy.
6. Other Initiatives: Beyond the MoU, both the Anambra State Government and EEDC are jointly implementing initiatives such as the Mobile Metering Program, which is aimed at reducing estimated billing and enhancing transparency in electricity consumption. These efforts show a broad commitment to sector reform and innovation.
Delivering his remarks at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director/CEO of EEDC, Praveen Chorghade, described the event as a historic moment that will strengthen the business relationship between the utility provider and the Anambra State Government. He emphasized that the partnership would attract further investment, improve the reliability of power supply, and boost commercial performance.
“This MoU is not just a formal agreement; it is a catalyst for change,” said Chorghade. “It will help us provide improved services to customers, achieve operational efficiencies, and introduce additional networks needed to deliver 24/7 power supply in the near future.”
Expressing pride in the initiative, Sir Dr. Emeka Offor, Chairman of the Chrome Group and EEDC, noted that it was a special day for him—not only as the Chairman of EEDC but also as a proud son of Anambra State.
“I am glad that I am able to contribute my quota towards the development of Anambra State,” said Dr. Offor. “Power is the engine of economic growth, and through this collaboration, we are unlocking the state’s industrial and social potential.”
Governor Soludo, in his speech, highlighted the significance of the MoU in realizing his administration’s long-term goal of building a livable and prosperous mega city. He described Sir Dr. Emeka Offor as a reliable partner in the transformation of Anambra and called on all Ndi Anambra to support the journey toward energy self-sufficiency.
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“We are on a journey to industrialize our state, and that cannot be achieved without 24/7 power supply,” the Governor emphasized. “This MoU is a key building block in that journey. With sustained collaboration, we can make Anambra a place not just to visit, but to live, work, and thrive.”
He further urged stakeholders to align with his administration’s efforts to drive energy reform, economic development, and social transformation.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by an impressive roster of officials from both the public and private sectors.
These high-level participants reinforced the importance of the partnership and the depth of commitment on both sides.
Economic Implications
Reliable power is a cornerstone for sustainable economic development. The Anambra-EEDC partnership is expected to lead to:
- Increased productivity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Lower operational costs for manufacturers
- More reliable infrastructure for digital and service economies
- Boosts in foreign and local investment interest in the state
Improved electricity infrastructure will also make schools, hospitals, and public services more efficient, thereby contributing to the broader development agenda.
Reactions from stakeholders and the general public have been largely positive. Civil society groups, business owners, and residents alike have expressed hope that the partnership will result in meaningful, long-lasting changes to the state’s power situation.
However, some have called for regular public updates, transparency, and citizen inclusion in implementation efforts. There is a growing consensus that accountability will be key to the success of the partnership.
In conclusion, the MoU between EEDC and the Anambra State Government marks a significant step in the quest to overcome Nigeria’s chronic energy challenges at the subnational level. This partnership could well serve as a model for other states looking to improve their energy infrastructure through creative public-private cooperation.
With clear objectives, strong leadership, and strategic investment, Anambra is poised to become a beacon of energy reform and sustainable development in Nigeria. The road ahead may be complex, but with the momentum of this MoU, the future of electricity in Anambra State has never looked brighter.
Source: EEDC
