… Says Uninterrupted Electricity Possible In Foreseeable Future
By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
In his quest to ensure the provision of stable electricity to citizens, which would subsequently unlock Akwa Ibom’s vast economic potentials and create opportunities for all round growth, the State governor has inaugurated the pioneer commissioners of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), with a charge on them to deliver on the promise of regular electricity for the people of Akwa Ibom within the next 18 months.
The 5-man Commission has Ms. Arit Uya as chairperson and chief executive and commissioner for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs, while Dr. Kalu Ukoha, is vice chairman and commissioner for Policy, Planning and Innovation; Mr Ubong Etukudoh, an engineer, is the commissioner, Engineering; Dr. Valerie Obot, commissioner, Finance and Corporate Support; and Mr. Paul Okon, commissioner, Economic Regulation.
Performing the inauguration at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Thursday, the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, described their job as technical, their mandate strategic and their duty to the law, the market, consumers, investors and the people of Akwa Ibom.
Eno said the commission was expected to work constructively with relevant Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies to secure the transfer of the full extent of Akwa Ibom State’s electricity regulatory powers, and engage with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), and other stakeholders towards the establishment of a State electricity distribution company in a manner that is fair, transparent and commercially credible.
According to him, having been staffed by professionals with strong technical, regulatory, commercial, stakeholder engagement and policy expertise, the Commission’s collective capacity must currently be translated into measurable outcomes for the people.
“On behalf of our people, I entrust you with this responsibility of profound importance. You have the competence, the mandate and the resources required to succeed, and I urge you to work as a united and mutually supportive team”, he said, assuring that government will ensure that AKSERC is equipped with the tools and facilities required of a modern regulator, including a functional office at the Udom Emmanuel Towers.
“With the inauguration of AKSERC, we are positioning the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market as a credible and competitive component of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. Our objective is to create a market environment where operators, investors and licensees are incentivised to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity while protecting consumer interests and promoting economic growth”, he stated.
Eno directed that the full year budget proposals for funding the Commission’s recurrent and capital expenditure be reviewed and formally submitted by the commissioner for power, for consideration and approval by the State Executive Council.
In addition, Eno also directed the power comissioner to produce a programme tracker that fully covers the Commission’s Operationalisation plan and its approved budget to enable government monitor progress in the delivery of its various plans and programmes, saying, all these are to be undertaken and concluded within the next two weeks.
The governor noted that beyond the establishment of the Commission, government has undertaken critical institutional reforms to strengthen the foundation of the State’s electricity market such as incorporating Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL) as the strategic vehicle for managing State electricity assets and investments, while also commencing the regularisation of Akwa Ibom State’s shareholding interests in 4Power Consortium Limited and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company as a precursor to the establishment of a dedicated Akwa Ibom State electricity distribution subsidiary.
He said government has taken the strategic decision to retain government ownership of the 191MW Ibom Power Company while pursuing a concession framework that will attract private sector participation, improve operational efficiency and support the expansion of electricity access across the State.
Eno noted that the Commission’s responsibilities were in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electricity Act, 2023, and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025, and places the Commission at the centre of the state’s electricity transformation agenda.
He expressed satisfaction with the rigour and integrity of the process through which the sworn-in commissioners were chosen, stressing that “the commissioners sworn in today emerged through a structured, transparent and merit-based process, not by chance, convenience or personal discretion”, adding that their appointment reflects government’s commitment to competence, professionalism and institutional excellence and the credibility of the process that brought them to office.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, and the members, for their unwavering support, noting that their passage of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025, confirmation of the commissioners and continued partnership have been instrumental to government’s determination to provide stable electricity to the people.
He said as a listening government which feels the pains citizens were going through, his government has therefore, taken concrete steps to address the issue of electricity inconsistency.
The State chief executive officer noted that while government was in a hurry to tackle the power problem, there were processes that were outside of its immediate control that must be followed like other process- driven projects, which government was currently executing, such as the Ibom Deep Seaport and others, soliciting for patience and understanding from Akwa Ibomites, as in the foreseeable future, the problem of electricity in the State will be addressed, and Akwa Ibom people will enjoy uninterrupted electricity.
Eno attributed the milestone to the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the power sector, particularly the Electricity Act, 2023, which has empowered states to assume greater responsibility for electricity regulation and market development, expressing gratitude for the enabling framework that has brought Akwa Ibom to the historic point.
He recalled that since the adoption of the Akwa Ibom Electricity Sector Reform Programme in September 2025, his administration has pursued a deliberate and comprehensive roadmap to reposition the State for energy security, industrial growth and sustainable development, noting that the establishment of AKSERC and the appointment of its pioneer commissioners, represent major milestones in the journey, as they demonstrate government’s resolve to building a modern, competitive and efficiently regulated electricity market that will serve the needs of the people and attract investment into the sector.
The governor announced government plans to build local capacity to support the transition, by investing in the training of Akwa Ibom youths in the installation, operation and maintenance of solar home systems and solar photovoltaic-powered mini-grids. This initiative, he said, will not only support the clean energy objectives of the State but also create employment opportunities and nurture a new generation of skilled energy professionals.
Eno further stated that government will ensure the employment and continued capacity development of capable Akwa Ibom indigenes in its concessioned generation and distribution companies.
In her response, chairman of the commission, Uya, appreciated Governor Eno for the confidence reposed in them, and his support towards the accomplishment of their assigned duties.
She pledged to work hard to fulfill the expectations of the government and the people of Akwa Ibom State by ensuring professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork and results.
High point of the inauguration ceremony was the signing of a Comprehensive Code of Business Conduct and Ethic by the newly sworn-in commissioners.
Discussion about this post