RismadarVoice Reporters, April 5, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken renewed steps to tackle persistent electricity challenges, unveiling plans aimed at achieving stable, reliable power supply across the state.
The move follows deliberations at the Power Summit held in September 2025 at Four Points by Sheraton, Uyo, as the government intensifies efforts to reform the power sector.
Governor Umo Eno convened a joint meeting of the State Executive Council and chairmen of the 31 local government areas at Government House, Uyo, to review progress and outline actionable strategies for establishing a state-controlled electricity market.
The meeting, held on a public holiday, culminated in the constitution of a committee comprising members of the State Executive Council and local government chairmen. The committee has been tasked with harmonising proposals and developing a clear roadmap for achieving steady electricity supply within a realistic timeframe.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said discussions centered on evaluating ongoing reforms and setting timelines for the state to assume full control of its electricity market.
He disclosed that technical experts and consultants presented various options, including solar and other clean energy solutions, as part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources and ensure sustainability.
Umanah noted that the outcome of the meeting includes a comprehensive implementation roadmap designed to actualise Governor Eno’s vision of a functional, state-driven electricity system capable of meeting the needs of residents and businesses.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Iniobong Robinson, described the initiative as the dawn of a new era in Akwa Ibom’s power sector. He explained that recent national reforms now empower states to generate, distribute, and regulate electricity independently, urging residents to remain patient as the process progresses.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, commended the governor’s leadership, noting that unreliable power supply has long hindered economic growth. He pledged the support of local government councils in safeguarding power infrastructure, ensuring the success of the reforms.
Providing further insight, the state’s electricity sector reform consultant, Mr. Eyo Ekpo, highlighted the opportunities presented by the Electricity Act of 2023, which decentralised power generation and distribution, enabling states to develop independent electricity markets.
He noted that Akwa Ibom is well-positioned to achieve energy sufficiency due to its abundant gas resources, existing power plants, transmission infrastructure, and distribution network currently managed by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, which is expected to transition into a state-controlled entity.
Ekpo emphasized that sustainable electricity supply is achievable with effective coordination of generation, distribution, financing, and consumer payment systems, stressing the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the success of the initiative.
The state government expressed optimism that the reforms will not only improve power supply but also stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents.
