In a bold move to secure reliable, affordable, and universal electricity access for Akwa Ibom people, Governor Umo Eno on Thursday, September 18, 2025, declared open the maiden Akwa Ibom State Electricity Summit at Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene.
The two-day summit, themed “Fulfilling the Promise of Reliable, Affordable and Universal Access to Electricity in Our State,” is designed to chart a clear roadmap with timelines for achieving total electricity access across the State.
Declaring the summit open, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending years of unreliable power supply, unveiling the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law as part of measures to drive reform in the sector.
“The right questions must be asked, and bold actions taken. By the mandate the people have given me, I will take the decisions needed to deliver reliable electricity to our State. Electricity access is the backbone of our ARISE Agenda, connecting households, businesses, and vulnerable families,” the Governor said.
He further announced plans to establish the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission and to pursue the State’s rightful shares in the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED).
Governor Eno emphasized the importance of learning from best practices, noting that sister States who have achieved stable electricity were invited to share their journeys.
In her welcome address, Deputy Governor and Chairperson of the Summit Organizing Committee, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, highlighted that the passage of the new State Electricity Law by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has empowered the State to take full control of its electricity ecosystem. She stressed that the summit must produce a clear and actionable program to ensure universal power access.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Adedoyin Oluwoniyi, pledged its readiness to partner with Akwa Ibom State to achieve reliable electricity supply.
Goodwill messages came from the Governors of Abia, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Enugu States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other key stakeholders in the power sector, all commending Governor Eno for his bold step to address electricity challenges.
The summit also featured a keynote presentation by Mr. Eyo Okon, Team Lead, Power Component at UKNIAF, who shared lessons from Nigeria’s electricity sector reform journey. The State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Iniobong Robson, presented an overview of Akwa Ibom’s electricity landscape, while the Attorney-General, Uko Udom (SAN), spoke on the legal mandates provided by the new electricity law.
Panel discussions and technical sessions with experts in the energy sector formed part of the day’s activities. The summit continues, Friday, September 19, 2025.
