ONWUKU, ABIA STATE

The House of Representatives Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, has assured that it will leverage its legislative powers to foster a harmonious relationship between the Federal Ministry of Power, Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos), and the Masters Energy Metering Company. This commitment was made during an on-the-spot assessment of the Masters Energy Metering Company and a tour of the Masters Industrial City in Onuaku, Uturu, in Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State on Tuesday.

Hon. Nwokolo, who represents the Ika North East and South Federal Constituency, commended Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, President of Masters Energy Group, for his substantial investment in Abia State and for creating thousands of jobs for the youth.

“I won’t say I am surprised with what we are seeing here, having known you for over 20 years,” Nwokolo remarked. “From what we have seen here, we will take it beyond the House Committee on Power and engage with the Senate Committee on Power and the Minister of Power. If we already have immediate sources for meters, then I think Discos will have no choice but to patronize them.”

In his response, Dr. Ogah expressed appreciation for the Committee’s visit, highlighting the company’s plans to provide 50,000 jobs for Nigerians.

“Our intention is to put 50,000 Nigerians directly under our employment,” Ogah stated. “We have never benefited anything from the government. In fact, the Bank of Industry told us to bring an industry in Lagos as collateral for them to support what we are doing here. We want to get Masters Energy to be part of the development of the Nigerian economy. Today, we have 2,000 workers employed across several sectors of the company.”

Prince Mbah, the Managing Director of Masters Energy Metering Company, briefed the Committee on the company’s ambitious targets, including the production of 602,160 meters, contingent on receiving the necessary support to boost productivity.

“Our Metering Factory is situated in the Masters Energy Group Industrial City, which is probably the largest production hub in the South East, with over ten companies producing various goods and providing employment to over 3,000 people,” Mbah said. He added that the company is currently producing Single Phase and Three Phase Prepaid Meters, with plans to commence production of prepared meters soon.

Mbah also highlighted the challenges faced by the industrial city, including a lack of connection to the national grid for over 10 years and deplorable road conditions, forcing the company to rely on private power supply and produce its own water.

He revealed that the company has obtained all necessary approvals for energy metering, including certification from the STS Association of Conformance for Single Phase and Three Phase Metering, as well as the Nigerian Electricity Certificate. With 14,000 customers already using their meters, the company called on the House of Representatives to assist in securing approval for massive meter distribution, noting that they have 150,000 meters ready for deployment.

The House Committee concluded their visit with a tour of the other facilities in the industrial city, expressing satisfaction with the scale and quality of operations at the Masters Energy Metering Company.