Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to reposition the state’s power sector, drawing commendation and full backing from all 31 Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen.
The Governor made this known at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo. The session brought together members of the State Executive Council, LGA Chairmen, and the State’s Technical Consultant on Power to review outcomes of the September 2025 Power Summit and advance discussions on critical sector reforms.
Governor Eno stated that the state remains firmly on track in implementing the summit’s roadmap, emphasizing that the attainment of stable, accessible, and sustainable electricity requires a deliberate, coordinated, and phased approach. He noted that strategic steps already taken by his administration will soon begin to deliver measurable results, urging stakeholders to sustain their support and patience.
He commended the LGA Chairmen for their cooperation, describing the synergy between the state and local governments as pivotal to achieving the broader development objectives of Akwa Ibom.
In a post-meeting briefing, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission has been established, with names of commissioner nominees to be forwarded shortly to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
He further clarified that the state government has no intention of divesting from the Ibom Power Company. Rather, it is considering a concession model that will preserve government ownership while leveraging private sector investment, technical expertise, and operational efficiency.
Providing further insight, the State’s Technical Consultant on Power, Eyo Ekpo, highlighted Akwa Ibom’s distinctive position in Nigeria’s electricity landscape. He noted that the state is one of only two in the country to have developed a grid-connected power generation plant since 1999—and the only one to have retained ownership of its 191-megawatt Ibom Power Company.
Ekpo explained that the reform process is being driven by a structured and legally grounded framework, anchored on the principle of “policy first, law second, and disciplined execution.” He revealed that Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL) has been formally incorporated to serve as the holding company for the state’s electricity assets, including Ibom Power and PHED, ensuring efficient management of government shares and investments.
As part of efforts to broaden electricity access, particularly in underserved communities, he outlined plans to deploy interim off-grid solutions powered by solar energy to reach unserved households.
To accelerate implementation, Governor Eno announced the constitution of a seven-member committee, chaired by the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Aniefiok Johnson. Other members include the Commissioner for Power, Mr Iniobong Robson; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; ALGON Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo; Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Elder Aniefiok Nkom; and Chairman of Ibeno LGA, Mrs Glory Ekah Effiong.
The committee has been given a two-week deadline to submit its report.
The meeting marks a significant step forward in Akwa Ibom State’s pursuit of a comprehensive and sustainable power sector reform agenda.
