The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has announced plans to establish a State Electricity Regulatory Commission and an Electrification Agency, to manage the power sector in the state.
At the end of a 2-day Electricity Summit at Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, with the theme:“Attaining Energy Security and Universal Access for Akwa Ibom State within the Framework of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry‘’, Governor Eno said the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulation Commission AKSERC, will provide fair tariffs, transparent licensing, and independent oversight, while the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency, AISEA, will deliver electricity access to towns, villages, and underserved communities in the state.
The Governor stressed that the State Regulatory Commission and the State Electrification Agency will be managed by well-trained power personnel, adding that only qualified personnel will be recruited through the state employment portal.
While inviting Akwa Ibomites with requisite technical qualifications and skills to apply for employment to the 2 agencies through the ARISE Employment Portal, stressing that it is purely a professional assignment with no political colouration.
Highlighting the priorities from the roadmap, he said, “The boards of the above agencies will be constituted in the next one 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 said
Speaking further, the Governor assured that the State will roll out the first phase of the State Electrification Plan, “bringing sustainable electricity access to unserved and underserved communities; and publish and enforce a Consumer Bill of Rights which will ensure fair treatment for all consumers, accountability by licensees, and protection of electricity assets against vandalism and theft.”
The Governor emphasized the need for collaborations from the private sector, federal government , development finance institutions, investors, assuring them of the enabling environment to grow their business
Speaking further, the Governor assured that the State will roll out the first phase of the State Electrification Plan, “bringing sustainable electricity access to unserved and underserved communities; and publish and enforce a Consumer Bill of Rights which will ensure fair treatment for all consumers, accountability by licensees, and protection of electricity assets against vandalism and theft.”
He 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.
The Governor emphasized the need for collaboration saying, “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,” he said.
Presenting the Road Map to Electricity Security for Akwa Ibom State the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, highlighted eight pillars to ensure total access to electricity for all in 2034 to, includ the establishment of a transparent state electrification fund, clamping down on electricity theft and vandalism, and training electricity regulatory agencies, among others.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the State Electricity Action Plan Programme to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for implementation.
The first ever State Electricity Summit ended with inputs and suggestions from power experts, which when implemented bears hopes of lighting up every home in the state.
Source: Ikechukwu Agbamegbue
