The US$400 million Aba power plant, expected to commence operation in 2010, will provide reliable electricity, boost economic activity and create employment in Abia State and Nigeria in general, Business Day reports.

The plant is scheduled for completion by December 2009 and will supply 188 megawatts of power.

The project is being executed by Geometric Power Ltd, an independent power producer and licensed by Nigeria’s federal government to complement the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in the supply of electricity.

Barth Nnaji, Chairman/CEO of Geometric Power says the plant will make use of about 500 staff, sourced both locally and internationally, and will provide numerous 'secondary' jobs.

More reliable power is also set to benefit local manufacturers, especially the leather industry.