Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has affirmed that electricity is central to the state’s development agenda, declaring that the era of energy insecurity in Akwa Ibom is over.
The announcement came during a strategic roundtable with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, where the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the agency to advance renewable energy and rural electrification initiatives.
Governor Eno said the state is shifting from policy formulation to the practical implementation of electricity solutions to transform lives and power industries. “We have moved from aspiration to legal and institutional foundation. Today, we pivot to implementation and delivery,” he said.
Over the past year, Akwa Ibom has delivered the State Electricity Policy (2024), enacted the Electricity Law (2025), and established regulatory frameworks for implementation, providing a legal and institutional foundation for energy projects. Eno emphasized that electricity underpins his administration’s economic blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, digital hubs, women-led enterprises, and job creation.
The Governor assured investors that the state will provide land, expedite permits, ensure regulatory clarity, and facilitate financing to ensure project success. “Electricity is the key driver of our purpose to ensure that every Akwa Ibomite, in every corner of this State, can live with dignity and opportunity in the 21st century,” he said, urging RESCOs and private sector participants to move from planning to project execution within 15 to 18 months.
Eno also highlighted the state’s plans to leverage natural gas and small hydro resources while incorporating renewable energy solutions to achieve a sustainable energy transition.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, described the roundtable as a “critical milestone” in achieving universal electricity access, emphasizing the role of off-grid deployment in reaching unserved and underserved communities.
REA Managing Director, Aliyu Baba, commended the governor’s commitment to rural development, noting that the ARISE Agenda aligns with the national electrification program. Baba said REA will continue to collaborate with states to attract private investment and provide affordable electricity for rural populations.
Commissioner for Power, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson Etebe, presented on renewable energy opportunities in the state, identifying prospects in solar, hydro, and gas-to-power projects. He said the government has created a conducive environment to ensure projects are viable and sustainable.
The roundtable also included a demonstration of the REA Community Mapping Tool by the Technical Adviser of the Nigerian Electrification Program (NEP) and the formal signing of the MoU to strengthen collaboration between Akwa Ibom State and REA.
Governor Eno was joined by Deputy Governor Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; the Attorney General; the Commissioners for Power, Finance, Information, and Local Government; and the Special Adviser on Rural Development and Cooperatives.
