Barth Nnaji, the chairman of Geometric Power Group, has credited Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the late James Wolfohnson for inspiring him to develop the $800m Geometric Power Plant in Aba. Speaking at a recent leadership colloquium on “Igbo Leadership and Development,” Nnaji recounted how Okonjo-Iweala, the former Minister of Finance for Nigeria, and Wolfohnson, a former president of the World Bank, played a pivotal role in urging him to consider the project.
According to Nnaji, the genesis of the Aba power plant dates back to 2004 when Wolfohnson was invited to Aba by Okonjo-Iweala to witness firsthand the city’s vast economic and technological potential. Impressed by what they saw, Okonjo-Iweala and Wolfohnson approached Nnaji with the idea of building a 50-megawatt power plant in Abia to cater to the needs of manufacturers, both large and small, in the region.
Recalling his earlier success in leading a team to build a 22-megawatt Emergency Plant in Abuja in 2001, Nnaji accepted the challenge. However, his enthusiasm stemmed not just from the project’s technical feasibility but also from his deep-rooted connection to Aba, a city synonymous with indigenous manufacturing, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Nnaji emphasized his commitment to Nigeria’s development, particularly in the Igbo heartland, citing the region’s untapped potential and the structural challenges it has faced since the end of the Nigerian Civil War. He envisioned Geometric Power Limited as a catalyst for revitalizing the region’s economy and restoring its former glory.
Despite acknowledging that locating the power plant and distribution company in Aba presented logistical challenges compared to more profitable locations like Ikeja or Agbara, Nnaji underscored the strategic importance of investing in the region. He believed that the long-term benefits for the people and governments of Ala-Igbo far outweighed the immediate financial gains.
Nnaji’s decision to embark on the project was also informed by his firsthand experience of the challenges faced by industrialists in Igbo land. As a professor of manufacturing engineering in the United States, he had witnessed the potential of the region to produce world-class products but recognized that inadequate electricity infrastructure was a major hindrance.
Reflecting on the journey since 2004, Nnaji likened it to “tears, sweat, and blood,” quoting Winston Churchill. Despite the hardships encountered along the way, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the project, driven by a sense of duty to his people and a desire to make a meaningful impact on their lives.
In conclusion, Barth Nnaji’s account of the development of the Geometric Power Plant in Aba serves as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering determination. Inspired by the vision of Okonjo-Iweala and Wolfohnson, and motivated by his deep-rooted connection to his homeland, Nnaji embarked on a journey to transform the energy landscape of Igbo land. As the project continues to unfold, its success will not only be measured in terms of kilowatts generated but also in the economic empowerment and prosperity it brings to the people of Abia State and beyond.