Akwa Ibom State has taken a major step towards energy independence with the launch of its first-ever Electricity Summit, aimed at creating a State-controlled electricity market to deliver reliable, affordable, and available power to its residents.
The summit held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot- Ekpene, under the theme:” Fulfilling the promise of Reliable, Affordable and Universal Access to Electricity in Akwa Ibom State”, comes after the signing of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law 2025, which grants the State the authority to regulate its own electricity market under Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023.
Declaring open the summit, Governor Umo Eno described the event as a turning point, stressing that the time had come for the State to fully utilize its energy potentials for the benefit of its people.
“We have a power plant, abundant gas, and vision but too many homes, schools, and businesses still suffer from poor electricity.
“This summit must not be a talk shop. We need an actionable roadmap with clear roles, timelines, and measurable outcomes”.
He questioned the limited output of Ibom Power, the State-owned power plant with a capacity of 191 megawatts, and raised the possibility of a full overhaul or public-private partnership (PPP) to ensure the plant operates optimally.
The Governor highlighted that electricity should not be seen as a luxury but a necessity that affects healthcare, education, agriculture, and small businesses.
“Electricity is the basic and most important resource to give our people the opportunities to live longer and to live better”.
Just last week, Akwa Ibom signed an MoU with the Rural Electrification Agency to boost power access in rural areas.
The Governor called for a smooth handover of regulatory control from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the soon-to-be-established Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).
Governor Eno also proposed that Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) should set up State-level subsidiaries with board representation for the four States it serves, in recognition of their historical investments.
He further outlined plans to expand clean energy projects, including solar installations in schools and health centres, electric vehicles, and compressed natural gas (CNG) transport systems, all aligned with the State’s ARISE Agenda for development.
Calling on private investors, federal agencies, and civil society to support the State’s bold reforms, the Governor pledged that electricity governance in Akwa Ibom would be professional, transparent, and focused on citizens.
“Let us work together to light every home and business. When we electrify Akwa Ibom, we energise every childhood dream”.
Deputy Governor and Summit Chairperson, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, who delivered the opening address, explained that the summit was structured to produce a State Electricity Action Programme.
“This document, to be submitted to the Governor, will contain actionable strategies from five thematic sessions: legal and policy frameworks, regulation, investment, market design, and rural electrification.
“We are here to align politics, policy, and investment with the reforms that will bring real change”.
The historic event brought together government officials, private sector leaders, regulators, development partners and community stake holders to discuss how the state can break away the overdependence on the national grid and take control on its energy future.
