Akwa Ibom State has declared a new era in power generation and electricity access, as Governor Umo Eno signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to accelerate energy delivery and attract private investment in renewable and gas-to-power projects.
Speaking at the REA–Akwa Ibom State Strategic Roundtable in Abuja, Governor Eno emphasised that electricity remains the foundation for development under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
“We have moved from aspiration to legal and institutional foundation. Today, we pivot to implementation and delivery,” he declared.
Governor Eno noted that the state had already delivered the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy (2024), enacted the Electricity Law (2025), and established a regulatory framework to usher in a functional electricity market.
He added that electricity is indispensable for driving agriculture, industry, schools, hospitals, digital hubs, women-led enterprises, and job creation across the State.
“Electricity is the key driver of our purpose to ensure that every Akwa Ibomite, in every corner of this state, can live with dignity and opportunity in the 21st century,” the governor said.
He assured private investors that Akwa Ibom will provide land, expedite permits, ensure regulatory clarity, and facilitate financing to guarantee project success, urging Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) and private sector actors to transition “from ideas to concrete projects within 15–18 months.
Governor Eno further explained that the state would pursue a balanced energy transition, combining its abundant natural gas and small hydro resources with renewable energy penetration for long-term sustainability.
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi described the Abuja roundtable as a “critical milestone” in the state’s journey towards universal electricity access.
“Off-grid deployment is vital to reaching unserved and underserved communities,” she said.
Managing Director of the REA, Aliyu Baba, commended the State for aligning with national electrification priorities.
“The ARISE Agenda aligns with the national electrification initiative. We will continue to partner with states to attract private sector investors and ensure affordable electricity for rural dwellers,” he affirmed.
The State Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Etebe, in his presentation, outlined opportunities in solar, hydro, and gas-to-power, stressing that policies are already in place to make projects viable.
The roundtable also featured a demonstration of the REA Community Mapping Tool before the formal signing of the MoU between the State Government and the REA.
Meanwhile, the State has announced that the Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit, where stakeholders are expected to adopt a communique outlining a comprehensive roadmap for instituting a functional electricity market, will hold at Ikot Ekpene from 18th to 19th September 2025.
Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding of the State Electricity Policy and Law, identification of priority partnerships, and strengthened collaboration between federal and state institutions, private investors, capital market players, and international development partners.