The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a five-member board of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), tasked with transforming the state’s power sector within 18 months to guarantee reliable electricity supply and accelerate economic growth.
Speaking at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno described the inauguration as historic in the state’s pursuit of energy security and economic development.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our quest to provide stable electricity for our people. This will, in turn, unlock our vast economic potential and create opportunities for growth across the state. As a listening Government, we feel the pain our people are going through with the inadequate supply of electricity, and we have taken concrete steps to address the issue,” the Governor said.
He noted that since the adoption of the Akwa Ibom Electricity Sector Reform Programme at the September 2025 Electricity Summit, the state has steadily pursued a roadmap focused on energy security, industrial expansion and sustainable economic development.
Governor Eno, expressing faith in ongoing electricity reforms across the state, said, “The problem of electricity in our state will be addressed to the best of our capacity, and our people will enjoy uninterrupted electricity.”
The Governor emphasised that the commissioners emerged through a transparent and merit-based process.
“They demonstrate our resolve to build a modern, competitive and efficiently regulated electricity market that will serve the needs of our people and attract investment into the sector. Their appointment reflects our commitment to competence, professionalism and institutional excellence and the credibility of the process that brought them to office.”
Outlining the commission’s mandate, Governor Eno stated:
“AKSERC is the sole regulator of all electricity business conducted between buyers and sellers within Akwa Ibom State. The mandate of the commission covers the regulation of electricity market activities, operators, transactions and services in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electricity Act, 2023, and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025. This responsibility places the Commission at the centre of our electricity transformation agenda.”
He directed the commission to collaborate with relevant federal ministries, departments and agencies to facilitate the transfer of the state’s full electricity regulatory powers.
The Governor equally charged them to engage with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) and other stakeholders towards the establishment of a State electricity distribution company in a manner that is fair, transparent and commercially credible.
Governor Eno further instructed the commission to develop a programme tracker for monitoring the implementation of its operational plans and budget, stressing that AKSERC remains central to positioning the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market as a credible and competitive component of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“Our objective is to create an environment where operators, investors and licensees are incentivised to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity while protecting consumer interests and promoting economic growth,” he said.
The Governor also commended the Speaker and members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for their support, particularly in the passage of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025, and confirmation of the commissioners. He attributed the milestone to the power sector reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This milestone has been made possible by the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the power sector, particularly the Electricity Act, 2023, which has empowered states to assume greater responsibility for electricity regulation and market development.”
Governor Eno pronounced Ms Arit Okon Uya as Chairperson/Chief Executive and Commissioner for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs, while Dr Kalu Ukoha will serve as Vice Chairman and Commissioner for Policy, Planning and Innovation.
Other members of the commission include Engr. Ubong Etukudoh, Commissioner for Engineering Services; Dr Valerie Obot, Commissioner for Finance and Corporate Support; and Mr Paul Okon, Commissioner for Economic Regulation.
Charging the commissioners on their responsibilities, Governor Eno said:
“Together, I charge you to deliver on our promise of regular electricity for the people of Akwa Ibom State within the next eighteen months.”
The Governor disclosed that the state government has also undertaken critical institutional reforms to strengthen the electricity sector, attract investment, improve service delivery and create a sustainable electricity ecosystem.
“We have incorporated Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL) as the strategic vehicle for managing State electricity assets and investments. We have also commenced the regularisation of Akwa Ibom State’s shareholding interests in 4Power Consortium Limited and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company as a precursor to the establishment of a dedicated Akwa Ibom State electricity distribution subsidiary,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the commissioners, AKSERC Chairperson Mrs Arit Uya pledged professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork and results-driven service.
“Your Excellency, we have listened carefully to your charge, and we will work diligently to fulfil your expectations. We accept this responsibility with humility, appreciation, and a deep sense of duty. We are committed to managing all resources entrusted to the commission in a prudent, transparent and public interest.”
She thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in the commission and assured the people of Akwa Ibom State of the board’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.
“We are also grateful for the transparent and merit-based process by which we were selected, and that remains the stance. “We are committed to building a commission known for fairness, professionalism, transparency, independence and public trust,” she pledged.
The establishment of AKSERC and the appointment of its pioneer commissioners underscore the government’s determination to build a modern and efficient electricity market to power the state’s diverse economic sectors and open it up to more investors.
