Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared that his administration will overhaul the state’s electricity sector to ensure a reliable supply for homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day State Electricity Summit in Ikot Ekpene, the governor said the event was designed to address long-standing failures in the sector. “For decades, our people have lived with the paradox of great energy potential but could not fully appropriate the gift. We are blessed with an abundance of gas, a state-owned power plant, yet too many of our homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals are grappling with epileptic power supply,” he said.

Eno raised questions about the Ibom Power Company, which has an installed capacity of 191 megawatts but has not performed optimally since its establishment in 2001. “These are very hard questions, and we will dare to tread on grounds that angels fear to tread on during this summit. The hard questions must be asked; answers must be proffered; and actions must be taken to get our power sector working excellently to benefit our people and our State,” he stated.

The governor explained that Akwa Ibom’s 2024 Electricity Policy and 2025 Electricity Law provided the legal and regulatory framework for reform. He added that electricity must not be treated as a luxury. “Our vision for total electricity access is anchored on a simple principle that electricity must not be seen as a luxury but as a fundamental enabler of modern life,” he said.

Eno assured investors that the state would provide a conducive environment for clean energy initiatives and revealed that the administration was already integrating renewable energy into healthcare facilities, schools, and transportation. “Our Compressed Natural Gas mass transportation plan, introduction of electric vehicles, and other energy renewable initiatives are all part of the deliberate strategy to reduce emission, cut cost, and build a sustainable energy future,” he said.

He also urged collaboration between federal and state governments under Nigeria’s Electricity Act to drive reforms across the country. “In Akwa Ibom State, electricity sector governance will be professional, transparent, and entirely citizen-focused. Only by so doing, can we put in place a State electricity sector that will stand the test of time,” he said.

Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, who chairs the State’s Electricity Reform Committee, said the summit aimed to align policy, politics, and investment with the technical reforms needed for sustainable supply. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, pledged federal support for the reforms.

The event also featured contributions from representatives of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, state governments, the National Security Adviser, and the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, which outlined strategic steps for reform.

Governor Eno later unveiled the State Electricity Policy and the State Electricity Law alongside senior government officials and delegates.