Akwa Ibom State has taken a bold step towards energy independence and economic transformation with the inauguration of the pioneer Board of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), as Governor Umo Eno charged the newly appointed commissioners to deliver stable and reliable electricity to residents within the next 18 months.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Uyo, marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the state’s Electricity Sector Reform Programme and the operationalization of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law 2025, which empowers the state to regulate its electricity market in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
Declaring the Commission inaugurated, Governor Eno described the occasion as a historic turning point in Akwa Ibom’s quest to provide uninterrupted electricity, stimulate industrial growth, create jobs and unlock the state’s vast economic potential.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our quest to ensure that we provide stable electricity to our people, which will subsequently unlock our vast economic potential and create opportunities for growth all around,” the Governor stated.
Acknowledging the frustrations of residents over years of inadequate electricity supply, the Governor said his administration had deliberately pursued institutional reforms, strategic investments and robust regulatory frameworks to address the challenge.
Expressing optimism about the state’s energy future, Governor Eno assured citizens that substantial improvements would be achieved within the next 18 months.
“I believe that within the next 18 months, the problem of electricity in our state will be addressed to the best of our capacity and our people will enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply which they will pay for,” he said.
The Governor emphasized the need for commercial sustainability in the power sector, urging residents to embrace a culture of paying for electricity consumed.
“We must move away from the idea that electricity is free. It cannot be free. It has never been free. While we work hard to provide it, we should also be ready to pay for it,” he added.
Governor Eno attributed the state’s progress in the electricity sector to reforms initiated under the Electricity Act 2023, which grants subnational governments greater authority over electricity generation, distribution and regulation.
He disclosed that since adopting the Akwa Ibom Electricity Sector Reform Programme in September 2025, the state had followed a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving energy security, industrial expansion and sustainable economic development.
The Governor revealed that members of the commission emerged through a transparent and merit-based selection process, reflecting the administration’s commitment to competence, professionalism and institutional excellence.
He commended the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for providing the legal foundation through the passage of the Electricity Law and acknowledged the contributions of electricity sector reform consultant, Barrister Eyo Ekpo, for his role in driving the reform process.
Charging the commissioners to hit the ground running, Governor Eno directed the commission to submit its recurrent and capital budget proposals through the Ministry of Power within two weeks and establish a programme tracker to facilitate monthly performance reviews.
“Your work starts now. Akwa Ibom people are in a hurry and all eyes will be on you to provide leadership,” he told the commissioners.
As part of broader efforts to reposition the power sector, the Governor announced that the state had incorporated Ibom Electricity Holding Limited as a strategic investment vehicle and commenced the regularization of its shareholding interests in key power assets, including Four Power Consortium Limited and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
He further disclosed that government would retain ownership of the 191-megawatt Ibom Power Company while pursuing a concession framework designed to attract private-sector expertise, improve operational efficiency and expand electricity access across the state.
Governor Eno also unveiled plans to establish an Akwa Ibom State Electricity Agency to coordinate electrification projects in underserved communities, accelerate the deployment of solar-powered mini-grids and home systems, and strengthen collaboration with local government councils.
In a move aimed at creating employment opportunities and building local capacity, he announced plans to train Akwa Ibom youths in solar energy installation, operation and maintenance.
“Our vision is clear: to build a power sector that supports enterprise, stimulates industrialisation, improves quality of life and unlocks the full economic potential of our state,” the Governor declared.
The newly inaugurated commission is chaired by Mrs. Arit Uya, who also serves as Commissioner for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs. Other members include Dr. Kyrian Udo as Vice Chairman and Commissioner for Policy, Planning and Innovation; Engr. Obong Etukudo, Commissioner for Engineering; Dr. Mrs. Valerie Obot, Commissioner for Finance and Corporate Support; and Mr. Paul Okon, Commissioner for Economic Regulation.
Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Mrs. Uya assured the Governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State of the commission’s commitment to building a transparent, efficient and investor-friendly electricity market capable of driving economic growth and improving living standards.
She described the inauguration as a defining moment in the development of the state’s electricity sector and pledged that the commission would justify the confidence reposed in it.
“We accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. As pioneers of this commission, we are mindful that the standards we establish today will shape the institution for years to come,” she said.
The Chairperson commended the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, and members of the legislature for their diligence in confirming the commissioners and establishing the legal framework upon which the commission is founded.
She also praised the transparent and merit-based process that produced the commission’s leadership, assuring stakeholders that professionalism, integrity, accountability and teamwork would guide its operations.
According to Mrs. Uya, one of the commission’s immediate priorities is ensuring a seamless transition of electricity regulatory responsibilities from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to AKSERC under the decentralization framework created by the Electricity Act.
She disclosed that AKSERC would focus on developing a well-regulated electricity market supported by effective licensing systems, sound regulations and strong institutional governance structures.
The commission, she said, would create an enabling environment that attracts investment, promotes innovation, enhances operational efficiency and safeguards consumer interests.
“We are committed to building a commission known for fairness, professionalism, transparency, independence and public trust,” she stated.
Mrs. Uya further pledged that the commissioners would work collaboratively with a shared sense of purpose and collective responsibility to deliver on the commission’s mandate and help build an electricity sector that powers opportunities, industrial growth and prosperity for every resident of Akwa Ibom State.
With the formal inauguration of AKSERC, Akwa Ibom joins the growing number of states taking advantage of recent electricity sector reforms to chart a new course toward energy security, economic competitiveness and sustainable development.
As Governor Eno reminded the commissioners at the close of the ceremony, “The clock starts ticking now.”
By; Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo.
