The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken fresh steps to address the long-standing electricity challenges in the state, following up on discussions held at the Power Summit in September 2025 at Four Points by Sheraton, Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno convened a joint meeting of the State Executive Council and Chairmen of all 31 Local Government Areas to review ongoing power sector reforms and outline practical steps toward establishing electricity marketing and ownership in the state.
The goal, according to the government officials, is to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for residents.
The review meeting, held on Friday at Government House, Uyo, resulted in the setting up of a committee made up of council members and Local Government Chairmen.
The committee is expected to harmonise proposals and develop a clear pathway for achieving a steady electricity supply within a reasonable timeframe.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the meeting focused on assessing power sector reforms and examining timelines for Akwa Ibom State to take full ownership of its electricity market.
He explained that experts and technical consultants made presentations, including options on solar and clean energy solutions.
Umanah added that the meeting produced a roadmap and implementation timelines aimed at realising Governor Eno’s vision of a state-controlled electricity market that will guarantee power availability for businesses and households.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Robinson, described the meeting as the beginning of a new era in the state’s power sector.
He noted that recent reforms now allow states to generate, distribute and manage electricity independently, urging residents to remain patient as the process unfolds.
The Chairman of ALGON in the state, Uwemedimo Udo, commended the governor’s initiative, describing poor electricity supply as a common challenge affecting economic growth.
He pledged continued collaboration by local governments to support reforms and protect critical infrastructure.
On his part, the state’s electricity sector reform consultant, Mr Eyo Ekpo, explained that the 2023 Electricity Act decentralised power generation and distribution, making state-level electricity markets possible.
He said Akwa Ibom has strong potential for sustainable power supply due to its gas resources, power plants, transmission assets, and existing distribution structure currently operated by Port Harcourt Distribution Company, which is expected to transition into a state-controlled entity.
Ekpo stressed that electricity is locally achievable when generation, distribution, funding, and bill payment are properly managed, adding that public cooperation will be key to sustaining a constant power supply.
