Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
In a decisive push toward reliable electricity for all, Akwa Ibom State has rolled out a comprehensive roadmap featuring the creation of a dedicated regulatory commission and an electrification agency to drive sustainable power access across the region.
Governor Umo Eno shared these ambitious plans during the closing session of a key summit at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene.
He outlined how the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) would enforce equitable tariffs, streamlined licensing, and unbiased monitoring, while the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency (AISEA) would focus on extending power to remote towns, villages, and marginalized areas.
Spotlighting the roadmap’s immediate priorities, the governor declared that:
“The boards of the above agencies will be constituted in the next one month.
“We are clear that while our ambition is long-term, we must set the ball rolling immediately by establishing AKSERC and AISEA, staffed and trained to the best possible standards.”
To build a skilled workforce, he extended an open call, saying “Let me use this opportunity to invite Akwa Ibom people with requisite technical qualifications and skills to apply for employment through our ARISE Employment Portal.
“I can’t stress enough the fact that this is purely a professional assignment and therefore has no political colouration.
“The recruitment exercise will be done transparently and only those who are technically qualified will be taken.”
Eno also detailed urgent infrastructure moves, stating, “We will rehabilitate and immediately commercialise Ibom Power Company, raise capital and commence its urgent rehabilitation, while also taking steps to establish the Akwa Ibom Electricity Distribution Company and upgrade the State distribution network that it operates.
“We will launch the Akwa Ibom Electricity Market by licensing Ibom Power Company and the new Akwa Ibom State Electricity Distribution Company, with Akwa Ibom holding majority shares.” He said.
The state aims to kick off the initial phase of its Electrification Plan, the governor explained, “bringing sustainable electricity access to unserved and underserved communities; and publish and enforce a Consumer Bill of Rights which will ensure fair treatment for all consumers, accountability by licensees, and protection of electricity assets against vandalism and theft.”
Renewable energy will play a starring role, with pilot projects targeting at least 20% of future supply from eco-friendly sources.
“These are not distant promises—they are immediate, measurable, and achievable at various times within the next 24 months or even less,” Eno affirmed.
Stressing collective effort, he called for unity, saying “We have listened. We have learned. And we will act. But let me stress this: success will not come from government alone. It will come from partnerships—with the private sector, with our federal counterparts, with development finance institutions, with investors and licensees, and with you, the people of Akwa Ibom.
“We will work hard and purposefully to ensure that electricity availability will no longer be a barrier to growth in Akwa Ibom State, that industries will flourish, businesses will thrive, and homes will be powered.
“That we will begin to deliver better service to more households, and by 2034, God willing, every household in Akwa Ibom will have quality electricity service. And that we will build a model for electricity reform in Nigeria.”
In closing, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to participants for their insightful input, giving special nods to representatives from the governors of Enugu, Abia, Cross River, and Bayelsa states; the Minister of Power; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He singled out Ekemini Umoh, an Akwa Ibom native based in Europe who traveled home for the event, praising her standout contributions: “She exhibits qualities worthy of emulation.”
The roadmap was formally presented to the governor earlier by Deputy Governor Eyakenyi and Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, for review and action.
