By EFFANGA OSOK

Akwa Ibom Pushes Independent Electricity Market as Eno Targets Statewide Power Supply

THE Akwa Ibom State Government is moving to establish an independent electricity market, rehabilitate its state-owned power generation company and expand access to electricity across its 31 local government areas.

The reforms, according to the government, will create a more sustainable power sector capable of supporting businesses, attracting investment, improving healthcare delivery and raising living standards.

Commissioner for Power, Hon. Iniobong Robson, outlined the progress during a ministerial briefing in Uyo over the weekend. He said the administration of Governor Umo Eno had moved from policy development to building the regulatory and institutional structures needed to manage the state’s electricity market.

At the centre of the programme are three instruments: the Electricity Act 2023, as amended; the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy; and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law 2025.

Together, these instruments provide the framework for the state to regulate electricity transactions, license operators, attract private capital and develop its own sustainable electricity market.

Eno’s 2034 Electricity Commitment Drives Reforms

The government formally adopted the reform programme after the Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit, which Governor Eno convened in Ikot Ekpene on 18 and 19 September 2025.

At the summit, the state unveiled its electricity policy and law. The governor also outlined commitments to rehabilitate and commercialise Ibom Power Company, establish a state electricity distribution company with government equity participation and license electricity operators.

Most importantly, he set 2034 as the target for providing quality electricity service to every household in the state.

To translate these commitments into action, Eno established a seven-member implementation committee in April 2026. The committee was chaired by the then Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson.

Representatives of the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and other stakeholders also served on the committee.

Robson explained that involving local government authorities was necessary because the reform programme seeks to achieve electricity sufficiency in every part of Akwa Ibom, not just the major urban centres.

New Institutions to Manage State Electricity Investments

As the reforms progress, the government has incorporated Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL) to manage its investments in the power sector.

The holding company has started regularising the state’s shareholding in electricity assets, including Fourth Power Consulting Limited and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution PLC (PHED).

Robson stressed that the state had not sold its interests in Ibom Power Company Limited and had no intention of doing so. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to retaining its equity rights in Fourth Power Consulting Limited and the proposed subsidiary distribution company to emerge from PHED.

In a related development, Governor Eno inaugurated the pioneer five-member board of AKSERC on June 4, 2026, following screening and confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

Mrs. Arit-Okon Uya chairs the commission, which has responsibility for regulating electricity business transactions between buyers and sellers within Akwa Ibom.

The regulator will also oversee market operations and pursue measurable improvements in service delivery.

Meanwhile, the government has completed the organisational structure and operational framework for the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency. Established under Section 47 of the 2025 Electricity Law, the agency’s proposed framework is awaiting the governor’s approval.

Once established operationally, it will coordinate electricity access for towns, villages and communities that remain inadequately served by the national grid.

NERC Order Opens the Door to State Regulation

A significant step towards the independent electricity market came on August 18, 2026, when the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission issued Order Number NERC/2026/087.

The order initiated the transfer of regulatory oversight of the Akwa Ibom electricity market to AKSERC, making the state the 17th in Nigeria to receive such a regulatory transfer order.

It also requires PHED to incorporate a subsidiary responsible for electricity supply and distribution within Akwa Ibom within 60 days.

That subsidiary must subsequently secure the necessary operating licence from AKSERC, while all transfers specified in the order must be completed by 17 February 2027.

Robson said Governor Eno had received PHED’s board of directors in Uyo and urged the company to cooperate with the state government throughout the transition.

The commissioner explained that the government wanted to complete the process smoothly without compromising the state’s commercial interests.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Power, AKSERC and IEHL will work with PHED, the Bureau of Public Enterprises and other stakeholders to settle the corporate, asset and staff arrangements.

For electricity consumers, Robson offered assurances that the transition would not interrupt power supply, billing or customer care. He added that the government would communicate any changes ahead of implementation.

Private Investors to Support Ibom Power’s Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of Ibom Power Company remains another major component of the reform programme.

Robson described the facility as a strategic state asset and noted that Akwa Ibom was among only two states in Nigeria to have established a grid-connected power plant since 1999.

He said the government intended to use Ibom Power and its associated gas supply arrangements as anchors of the emerging electricity market.

To achieve this, the state is evaluating proposals from prospective private-sector partners for the concession of Ibom Power and its distribution utility.

The proposed arrangement is designed to attract the capital and technical expertise required for rehabilitation, operation, maintenance and expansion without selling the state’s investments.

Additionally, the government is working to secure firm and long-term gas supply to sustain electricity generation.

Solar Energy to Support Communities Outside Reliable Grid Coverage

The administration is also looking beyond conventional grid electricity.

Robson announced plans for a solar home system programme targeting households and small businesses in communities with poor or unreliable grid supply.

The initiative will provide another electricity option for underserved areas. Furthermore, the government plans to train young people in solar installation, operation and maintenance.

This component could create opportunities for local employment while building technical skills needed to support the expansion and maintenance of solar systems.

Key Milestones Set for 2026 & 2027

The commissioner outlined several implementation targets for the coming months.

The state expects the incorporation of the Akwa Ibom electricity distribution subsidiary before the end of the fourth quarter of 2026.

At the same time, AKSERC is expected to publish its initial regulatory instruments covering engineering codes, licensing procedures, customer care frameworks and tariff methodology.

The government also expects to conclude the procurement process for Ibom Power and the state distribution utility between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.

Within the same period, the State Electrification Agency is expected to become operational.

Nevertheless, Robson cautioned residents against expecting an immediate transformation in electricity supply. He explained that years of inadequate infrastructure had left the sector with challenges that would require sustained investment, technical expertise and time to resolve.

He also raised concerns about the vandalism of transformers and power lines, urging residents to protect public electricity infrastructure and report suspicious activities.

AKSERC Promises Stronger Regulation & Investor Confidence

Speaking at the briefing, AKSERC Chairman and Chief Executive, Mrs. Arit Uya, said the commission was working to build a financially sustainable electricity market capable of attracting investment.

She explained that the regulator would ensure that companies operating across the electricity value chain, especially generation and distribution businesses, complied with established standards.

According to her, AKSERC is developing regulatory instruments that will guide operators, promote accountability and strengthen the market.

Uya also expressed confidence that the state’s electricity resources and investment opportunities could position Akwa Ibom as a major electricity hub in Nigeria.

She maintained that successful implementation would create benefits for investors, residents and businesses.

From Policy Commitments to Reliable Electricity

The electricity reforms represent a major component of the Eno administration’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure and promote private-sector participation under the ARISE Agenda.

However, the success of the programme will depend on how effectively the government implements its institutional, regulatory and investment plans.

The transfer of regulatory oversight, establishment of a state distribution company, rehabilitation of Ibom Power and expansion of solar electricity will all require coordination among government agencies, private investors and existing power operators.

Equally, the administration must address infrastructure weaknesses, secure reliable gas supply and protect electricity assets from vandalism.

Although the government has set 2034 as its target for providing quality electricity to every household, Robson acknowledged that the transition would take time.

For now, the priority is to turn the emerging state electricity market into a functioning system that delivers measurable improvements for homes, businesses and communities across Akwa Ibom.