Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has unveiled a power roadmap to move the State from years of unfulfilled potential in the power sector to decisive reforms that will guarantee reliable, affordable, and universal electricity access within the next decade.
Speaking at the Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit in Ikot Ekpene, the governor said, “Today marks a major turning point for Akwa Ibom State in the area of electricity. For decades, our people have lived with the paradox of great energy potential but could not fully appropriate the gift.”
Akwa Ibom State, created 37 years ago, has consistently been recognised as one of Nigeria’s leading oil- and gas-producing states, yet, despite its energy wealth, thousands of households and businesses remained without reliable electricity.
Governor Eno, unveiling the “Akwa Ibom Electricity policy and Law”, declared that Akwa Ibom is now positioned as a model for electricity reform in Nigeria.
“Today marks a major turning point for Akwa Ibom State in the area of electricity. For decades, our people have lived with the paradox of great energy potential but could not fully appropriate the gift,” he stated.
Resolving the Ibom Power Crisis
The Governor challenged stakeholders, questioning why, despite Ibom Power’s installed capacity of 191 megawatts, the plant has failed to operate optimally since its commissioning in 2001, yet the state continues to service a $9 million AfriExim Bank loan.
“Why is our state-owned Ibom Power not working optimally for the benefit of our people? These are very hard questions and we will dare to tread on grounds that Angels feared to tread on in this summit.” he interrogated.
Not a Luxury
Emphasising the centrality of power to modern life, Governor Eno said, “Electricity must not be seen as a luxury. It is a fundamental enabler of modern life. When a rural health clinic has steady power, lives are saved. When our children can study under good lighting, the future becomes even brighter, both literally and figuratively.”
Legal and Policy Foundations
Governor Eno noted that Akwa Ibom has laid a solid foundation with the “Electricity Policy 2024” and “Electricity Law 2025”, which provide the framework for establishing a state electricity market in alignment with federal structures.
He disclosed that the state recently signed a pact with the Rural Electrification Agency:
“Last week in Abuja, the Akwa Ibom State Government executed a memorandum of understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency that commits both parties to working closely together to expand electricity access to our unserved and underserved communities,” the Governor disclosed.
Clean and Renewable Energy
The Governor announced clean energy projects that align with the ARISE Agenda, including solarisation of healthcare centres and schools, compressed natural gas transportation, and electric vehicles, affirming: “Our solarisation projects across model health care centres and schools are ensuring that critical public services no longer depend on unreliable power supply.”
Ownership, Shares, and Governance
On the question of corporate governance, Governor Eno signalled determination to secure Akwa Ibom’s rightful stake in the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED).
“Akwa Ibom must now have its full shares in PHED, and we need to find out where those shares are. We are determined more than ever before now to pursue those shares and make Akwa Ibom take its rightful place,” he said.
Timelines, Discipline, and Citizen Focus
Governor Eno assured citizens that reforms will be driven with integrity and measurable milestones, adding that within 24 months, significant results would be visible, while the long-term target remains universal access by 2034.
“In Akwa Ibom State, electricity sector governance will be professional, transparent, and entirely citizen-focused. Only by so doing can we put in place a state electricity sector that will stand the test of time,” he declared
Call to Collective Action
The Governor further echoed a rallying charge, stressing that the electricity reform journey belongs to every Akwa Ibom indigene: “We can’t leave here without having an actionable plan with timelines of execution. Let’s arise together and let the light shine in every home in Akwa Ibom.”
Observers noted that the Akwa Ibom roadmap, though audacious and ambitious, complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises energy access, economic diversification, and inclusive growth.
By pursuing clean energy, fair tariffs, and transparent governance, Akwa Ibom is aligning subnational action with federal vision, as Governor Eno emphasised: “This is about more than electricity; it is about powering hope, prosperity, and the dignity of our people.”