Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to deliver quality power for all households and build a model for electricity reforms by the year 2034
The state governor, Umo Eno, stated this in his speech to mark the end of a 2-day Electricity Summit held at Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
In a statement obtained from the government house press unit on Saturday, the Governor highlighted the essence of collaboration, emphasising that the push to achieve electricity for all can only come through partnership with relevant agencies
“We have listened. We have learned. And we will act. But let me stress this: success will not come from government alone. It will come from partnerships with the private sector, with our federal counterparts, with development finance institutions, with investors and licensees, and with you, the people of Akwa Ibom.
We will work hard and purposefully to ensure that electricity availability will no longer be a barrier to growth in Akwa Ibom State, that industries will flourish, businesses will thrive, and homes will be powered.
“That we will begin to deliver better service to more households, and by 2034, God willing, every household in Akwa Ibom will have quality electricity service. And that we will build a model for electricity reform in Nigeria,” Eno said
He said that the state will establish the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulation Commission to provide fair tariffs, transparent licensing, and independent oversight, while the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency will deliver electricity access to towns, villages, and underserved communities.
The governor disclosed that the board of the above agencies would be constituted within one month, stressing that while the ambition is long-term, there is a need to start the process immediately
“The boards of the above agencies will be constituted within the next month. We are clear that while our ambition is long-term, we must set the ball rolling immediately by establishing AKSERC and AISEA, staffed and trained to the best possible standards.
“Let me use this opportunity to invite Akwa Ibomites with requisite technical qualifications and skills to apply for employment through our ARISE Employment Portal. I can’t stress enough the fact that this is purely a professional assignment and therefore has no political colouration. The recruitment exercise will be done transparently, and only those who are technically qualified will be taken.
We will rehabilitate and immediately commercialise Ibom Power Company, raise capital and commence its urgent rehabilitation, while also taking steps to establish the Akwa Ibom Electricity Distribution Company and upgrade the State distribution network that it operates.
“We will launch the Akwa Ibom Electricity Market by licensing Ibom Power Company and the new Akwa Ibom State Electricity Distribution Company, with Akwa Ibom holding majority shares,” he added.
Eno also disclosed plans to pilot renewable energy projects, ensuring that at least 20% of the future power will come from clean sources.
“These are not distant promises—they are immediate, measurable, and achievable at various times within the next 24 months or even less,” he added.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Senator Eyakenyi and the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, had presented the roadmap to the Governor for consideration.
PUNCH Online also reported on May 5 that President Bola Tinubu formally ratified the National Integrated Electricity Policy, which aimed to unlock $122.2 billion in investments to overhaul Nigeria’s power sector from 2024 to 2045.
This comprehensive policy, aligned with the Electricity Act 2023, set out a reform agenda to diversify energy sources beyond hydropower and gas-fired plants by incorporating hydrogen, solar photovoltaic, biomass, wind, carbon capture technologies, nuclear, and bioenergy.
It also included a $192 million plan to boost transmission capacity over five years and addressed critical sector challenges by providing clear guidelines for sustainable power generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and improved governance.
The policy was designed to catalyse socio-economic growth by transforming electricity infrastructure and ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
