From Dispatch Room
The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed an open letter questioning the composition of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission, AKSERC, describing the claims as misleading and unfounded.
Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the appointments made by Governor Umo Eno were based on merit, professional competence and relevant experience in electricity regulation, engineering, energy economics and public sector governance.
Umanah said the establishment of AKSERC followed the Electricity Act 2023 and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law 2025, adding that the commission is central to the state’s power sector reform agenda.
He explained that the commission was designed as a multidisciplinary regulatory institution that would oversee licensing, technical regulation, market operations, consumer protection, compliance monitoring and economic regulation.
The commissioner defended the qualifications of the commission’s chairperson, Ms. Arit Uya, describing her as a regulatory governance expert with more than two decades of experience, including service within the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
He also highlighted the credentials of Dr. Kalu Ukoha, Mr. Paul Okon, Dr. Valerie Obot and Engr. Ubong Etukudoh, saying their combined experience reflects the professional mix required for electricity regulation.
Umanah rejected claims that AKSERC failed to meet the requirements of Section 34 of the Electricity Act 2023, arguing that the law contemplates a blend of expertise across regulation, engineering, economics, finance, law and related disciplines.
He urged the public to support the reforms, saying Governor Eno’s administration remains committed to building a modern, efficient and sustainable electricity sector for Akwa Ibom State.
— Newspot Nigeria
