Akwa Ibom Charts Course For Reliable Power With New Regulatory Commission

By Adesina Quadri Ademola

Akwa Ibom State has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling its electricity sector, with the government announcing plans to set up a state electricity regulatory commission, an electrification agency, and a revitalisation of the Ibom Power Company.

The commitments were outlined during the Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit, which held at Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, and drew stakeholders from across Nigeria and abroad.

Governor Umo Eno, in a statement shared on X, stressed that the summit was more than a talk shop, describing it as a turning point in the state’s journey towards reliable, affordable and universal electricity.

“We are moving from plans to action. In the next month, we will establish the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the State Electrification Agency to drive fair tariffs, transparent licensing, and expanded access to underserved communities,” Eno said.

The governor disclosed that the government would rehabilitate and commercialise the Ibom Power Company, launch the Akwa Ibom Electricity Market and roll out the first phase of the State Electrification Plan. He added that the reforms were targeted at delivering measurable progress within the next 24 months.

According to him, the administration has set a long-term goal of ensuring that by 2034, every household in Akwa Ibom will enjoy quality electricity supply.

Eno described the initiative as a model for broader electricity reform in Nigeria, anchored on collaboration with the private sector, federal agencies, investors, and the citizenry.

The summit, he noted, has provided a clear roadmap for tackling one of the state’s most pressing developmental challenges, positioning Akwa Ibom as a potential trailblazer in energy sector transformation.