By Solomon Essiet
When Governor Umo Eno convened the Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit at Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, in September 2025, it was not just another government event. It was a clear statement that Akwa Ibom was ready to take its electricity future seriously.
That decision has now begun to produce visible results with the inauguration of the five-member Akwa Ibom Electricity Regulatory Commission, AKSERC. The Commission has been given the responsibility of driving the state’s power sector blueprint and helping to deliver meaningful improvement within the next 18 months.
Governor Eno performed the inauguration on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo. He said the government understands the burden poor electricity supply places on families, businesses, and industries across the state.
“As a listening Government, we feel the pain our people are going through with inadequate supply of electricity; and we have taken concrete steps to address the issue,” the Governor said.
According to him, the adoption of the Akwa Ibom Electricity Sector Reform Programme after the September 2025 summit gave the state a clear roadmap for energy security, industrial growth, and sustainable economic development.
He assured the people that the reforms were not merely administrative steps, but part of a larger plan to make regular electricity a practical reality in Akwa Ibom.
“In no distant time the problem of electricity in our state will be addressed to the best of our capacity, and our people will enjoy uninterrupted electricity,” he said.
The Governor described the establishment of AKSERC and the appointment of its pioneer Commissioners as major milestones in the state’s electricity reform journey. He said the move shows the government’s determination to build a modern, competitive, and properly regulated electricity market that can serve the people and attract serious investment.
He also stressed that the Commissioners were not chosen casually or for political convenience. According to him, they emerged through a structured, transparent, and merit-based process that reflects the administration’s commitment to competence, professionalism, and institutional strength.
Explaining the role of AKSERC, Governor Eno said the Commission will serve as the sole regulator of electricity business conducted between buyers and sellers within Akwa Ibom State.
He said its mandate covers electricity market activities, operators, transactions, and services in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electricity Act, 2023, and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025. This places AKSERC at the centre of the state’s electricity transformation agenda.
The Governor directed the Commission to work with relevant federal ministries, departments, and agencies to secure the full transfer of Akwa Ibom’s electricity regulatory powers.
He also charged the Commission to engage the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and other stakeholders toward the establishment of a state electricity distribution company. He said the process must be fair, transparent, and commercially credible.
Governor Eno further directed the Commission to prepare a programme tracker covering its operational plan and approved budget. He said this would allow the government to monitor progress and measure delivery against the Commission’s targets.
He explained that the inauguration of AKSERC positions the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market as a credible and competitive part of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“Our objective is to create an environment where operators, investors, and licensees are incentivised to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while protecting consumer interests and promoting economic growth,” he said.
The Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the power sector reforms under the Electricity Act, 2023, which gave states greater responsibility in electricity regulation and market development.
He also commended the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and members of the Assembly for passing the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025, confirming the Commissioners, and supporting the administration’s drive for stable electricity.
The five-member Commission has Mrs. Arit Uya as Chairperson, Chief Executive, and Commissioner for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs. Dr. Kalu Ukoha will serve as Vice Chairman and Commissioner for Policy, Planning, and Innovation.
Engr. Ubong Etukudoh will serve as Commissioner for Engineering Services, while Dr. Valerie Obot will serve as Commissioner for Finance and Corporate Support. Mr. Paul Okon will serve as Commissioner for Economic Regulation.
“Together, I charge you to deliver on our promise of regular electricity for the people of Akwa Ibom State within the next eighteen months,” Governor Eno told them.
Beyond the inauguration of the Commission, the Governor said his administration has already taken other critical steps to strengthen the foundation of the state’s electricity market.
He disclosed that the government has incorporated Ibom Electricity Holding Limited as the strategic vehicle for managing state electricity assets and investments. He also said the government has begun the regularisation of Akwa Ibom State’s shareholding interests in 4Power Consortium Limited and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
According to him, these steps are important precursors to the establishment of a dedicated Akwa Ibom State electricity distribution subsidiary. They are also designed to place the state in a stronger position to drive investment, improve service delivery, and build a sustainable electricity ecosystem.
In her response, Mrs. Arit Uya thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in the Commissioners. She pledged that the Commission would work with professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and a strong focus on results.
For the people of Akwa Ibom, the inauguration of AKSERC points to a future where electricity supply can be planned, regulated, and improved closer to home.
With a state-regulated market, electricity challenges can be addressed with better local oversight, while tariffs, investments, and service delivery can reflect the realities of Akwa Ibom people. It also opens the door for stronger investment in mini-grids, renewable energy, industrial power supply, and rural electrification.
For households, this could mean longer hours of stable electricity, less dependence on generators, and lower energy costs over time. For businesses and industries, it could mean a more reliable operating environment, reduced production costs, and new opportunities for expansion.
That is why this reform matters. It is not only about setting up another government commission. It is about giving Akwa Ibom the tools to power homes, support businesses, attract investment, create jobs, and build the kind of economy its people deserve.
Arise, that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
— Newspot Nigeria
