Cognizant of its critical role in realising the state’s economic vision, Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched a bold initiative to transform the state’s electricity landscape, prioritizing optimal availability, affordability, and accessibility.

Speaking while declaring open a two-day State’s Electricity Summit at Four-Points By Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, the Governor said the summit marks a turning point in the electricity sector of the State.

“For decades, our people have lived with the paradox of great energy potential but could not fully appropriate the gift. We are blessed with abundance of gas, a state-owned power plant, yet too many of our homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals are grappling with epileptic power supply,” he stated.

Eno queried the rationale behind the State-owned Ibom Power Company with installed capacity of 191MW not working optimally since its establishment in 2001, despite the huge investment in it.

“These are very hard questions, and we will dare to tread on grounds that angels fear to tread on during this summit. The hard questions must be asked; answers must be proffered; and actions must be taken to get our power sector working excellently to benefit our people and our State,” he declared.

He enjoined stakeholders at the summit to make it a worthwhile engagement, and not a talk shop, adding, “This Summit should chart a roadmap, and be seen as a call to action with clear timelines on who should do what, when would such actions be completed, what are the clear expectations outlined.

The Governor informed that the State’s vision for total electricity access is anchored on a simple principle that electricity must not be seen as a luxury but as a fundamental enabler of modern life.

He sued for a collective aspiration by Governors to convene an energy and security summit that are deliberately planned and purposefully executed, saying that under the State’s Electricity Policy 2024 and Electricity Law 2025, legal regulatory and policy foundations have been established to regulate the State electricity market.

He called for quality collaboration between the Federal Government and States as envisaged in the electricity Act, promising that the State’s electricity reforms would be attained within the context of Nigeria’s reforming, reshaping, and re-designing electricity supply industry.

He assured investors of his commitment to provide the necessary facilities and level-playing field for them to invest and produce clean energy in the State.

The Governor stated that the State is already integrating clean energy solutions into its vision to ensure that model healthcare centres, schools, and other critical State’s facilities and services are no longer depending on unreliable power supply.

“Our Compressed Natural Gas mass transportation plan, introduction of electric vehicles, and other energy renewable initiatives are all part of the deliberate strategy to reduce emission, cut cost, and build a sustainable energy future.

“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.”

“Let us make our State an outstanding model for sub national electricity reform in Nigeria, because when we electrify Akwa Ibom State and enable reliable, affordable, and clean electricity across the State, we are creating an Akwa Ibom in which we all rise and stand tall together to truly arise to a renewed hope,” he said.

Chairman of the State’s Electricity Reform Committee, Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, noted that the stakeholders are not merely gathered to discuss ideas but to align politics, policy, and investment with the technical and financial reforms that can deliver real change.

According to her, with the theme of the summit “Attaining Energy Security and Universal Access for Akwa Ibom State within the Framework of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the State is strongly determined to come out with the workable key to provide sustainable, clean, accessible and affordable electricity for the people to live comfortably.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu who was represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Mr Adedayo Olowoniyi felicitated the State on the determination to reform the electricity sector for affordable and universal access to power, and assured of the support of the Federal Government.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Power, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, commended Governor Umo Eno and his team for the forthrightness, courage and visionary insight which he described as indication that the State has positioned itself as a model for other sub – nationals.

Also speaking, Governors of Enugu, Abia, Cross River and Bayelsa States who were represented by their commissioners in the power sector, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Air Vice Marshall E. E. Effiong, congratulated the Governor for his development strides and the commitment to transforming the power sector and assured of collaboration and support where necessary to ensure success of the vision.

Speaking on behalf of Akwa Ibom Stakeholders, Senator Ekong Sampson said it was a delight to see how the Governor was driving transformation in the State, and assured that members of the National Assembly completely align with the vision of the Governor to reposition the sector.

In a keynote address, Team Leader – Power, United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, Eyo O. Ekpo, enumerated five strategic priorities that must be addressed by any credible State electricity reforms including; Operationalise AKSERC, bringing together the elements of the State electricity value chain in a mutually-supporting commercial framework that is focused on serving the State first and foremost, and Focus on the off-grid market too, among others.

High point of the event was the unveiling of the State Electricity Policy, and the State Electricity Law by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, distinguished guests and senior government officials.