From Isaac Job, Uyo
The governor of Akwa Ibom State has established a committee to address the ongoing power outages in the state.
Speaking shortly after a meeting held at Government House during the Easter holiday, the state Commissioner of Information, Hon Aniekan Umanah, said the committee is expected to address perennial power challenges.
According to the Commissioner, the committee comprises 31 local government chairmen and members of the state Executive Council.
He said Governor Umo Eno convened a joint meeting of the State Executive Council and chairmen of all 31 local government areas to review power sector reforms and outline practical steps toward establishing electricity marketing and ownership in the state.
“The goal, according to government officials, is to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for residents.
“The review meeting, held on a public holiday 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.
Umanah, briefing journalists after the meeting, said the power review 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 further disclosed that the power 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.
The Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Robinson, described the meeting as the beginning of a new era in the state’s power sector reforms.
Robinson noted that recent reforms in the power sector allow states to generate, distribute and manage electricity independently and appealed to Akwa Ibom residents to remain patient as the process unfolds.
The Chairman of ALGON in the state, Uwemedimo Udo, commended Governor Eno’s initiative and observed that poor electricity supply remains a common challenge affecting economic growth.
He pledged continued collaboration by local governments to support power reforms and protect critical infrastructure.
The state electricity sector reform consultant, Mr Eyo Ekpo, in his contribution, explained that the 2023 Electricity Act decentralised power generation and distribution, making state-level electricity markets possible.
“Akwa Ibom has strong potential for a 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 be transitioned into a state-controlled entity.
“Electricity is locally achievable when generation, distribution, funding, and bill payment are properly managed, as public cooperation will be key to sustaining a constant power supply.”
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