Ben Eguzozie and Lazarus Ikwa
When Okechukwu Okafor, managing director of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Ltd., stepped onto the podium at the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) office in Awka, the significance of the moment was unmistakable: a privately‑owned distributor had just secured the licence to take over electricity supply in a state that powers some of Nigeria’s most vibrant indigenous manufacturers.
Should the Anambra example succeed, the company will extend to the South East industrial heartland, where power supply is anything but regular.
A state built on entrepreneurship
By far, Anambra’s reputation as the “manufacturing hub of Nigeria” is no exaggeration. From the bustling markets of Onitsha to the automotive clusters of Nnewi, the state hosts a sprawling network of middle‑to‑large scale factories producing automobiles, cables, plastics, textiles, aluminium, agro‑processed goods and, increasingly pharmaceuticals. Flagship names such as Cutix Cables, the Ibeto Group and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company anchor an ecosystem that, until now, has been forced to rely on costly self‑generation because the grid has been unreliable.
The state’s industrial ambition is encapsulated in the Anambra Mega Industrial City (AMIC), a sprawling development that promises to double output once fully operational. Yet, without a dependable power supply, the vision remains partially out of reach.
From EEDC to FirstPower: a regulatory shift
FirstPower’s licence—granted by ASERC after months of preparatory work—effectively transfers distribution responsibilities from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to a locally‑based independent player. Economists view the move as a potential inflection point for Anambra, a state that has long been starved of consistent electricity.
“We have been on the ground for months, even before the inauguration of ASERC, because we anticipated the legislation backing its establishment,” Okafor told journalists. “It is no longer EEDC; FirstPower, an independent company, is now in charge of power distribution in Anambra.”
Stakeholder engagement as a cornerstone
FirstPower has already mapped out a partnership roadmap with key industry bodies, including the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ONCCIMA) and the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce (NNCCIMA). The aim, Okafor says, is to co‑design solutions that match the heavy‑industrial demand profile of the state while ensuring that smaller commercial and residential customers are not left behind.
“Customer satisfaction is the platform for our success,” he emphasized. “We will engage grassroots communities to improve understanding of billing, metering and service standards.”
Metering the gap
One of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s power sector is estimated billing, a practice that leaves millions of consumers either over‑charged or under‑charged. Additionally, there is power leakage. FirstPower has pledged to eliminate the practice through a mass‑metering programme. The first phase kicks off this December, with a second, larger rollout scheduled for January 2026.
“Estimated billing creates uncertainty for both the consumer and the utility,” Okafor explained. “Power theft also distorts the system. Getting everybody metered is a huge investment, but it is essential for a fair and sustainable supply chain. We are grateful for the support of the Federal Government and the World Bank, and we look to the state government and private sector to join us in this endeavour.”
FirstPower already pays the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for all energy delivered, but it continues to absorb significant losses from unmetered consumption—a gap it hopes to close with the new metering drive.
Looking ahead: a regional ambition
FirstPower’s ambitions extend beyond Anambra’s borders. The company aims to become a major player in the South‑East geopolitical zone, with a target of gaining traction across neighbouring states by the end of 2027. Its success in Anambra could set a precedent for other privately‑run distribution companies seeking licences from state regulators.
Why this matters to manufacturers
For the manufacturers of Nnewi and Onitsha, a reliable grid could translate into lower production costs, reduced reliance on diesel generators and a stronger competitive edge in both domestic and regional markets. For the broader economy, a more stable power supply could accelerate diversification, attract further investment into the Anambra Mega Industrial City and unlock the agricultural potential that sits alongside the state’s oil and gas reserves.
In the words of Okafor, “The perception of the sector as exploitative will change. Our focus is on the customer, because the customer is the platform for our success.” If FirstPower can deliver on its promises, Anambra may finally see the power curve it has long been waiting for.
