By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State continues to grapple with persistent power supply challenges, a situation that has negatively impacted industries, businesses, and households. Despite the state’s energy potential, residents still suffer from erratic electricity, largely due to inefficiencies and alleged corruption within the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
Speaking on Atlantic FM 104.5, “Nneme Mbre Ukara MBRE” today Friday March 21, 2025 in Uyo, the renowned power sector expert Engr. Elder Essien Etukudoh Essien dissected the root causes of the power crisis and proposed actionable solutions to address the situation.
According to Engr. Essien, the electricity deficit in Akwa Ibom is not just a generation problem but also a failure in transmission, distribution, and regulatory oversight. He strongly criticized PHEDC for what he described as “institutionalized corruption and mismanagement,” which has worsened the plight of electricity consumers. He accused the distribution company of failing to invest in infrastructure upgrades, leaving consumers to deal with frequent blackouts, exorbitant estimated billing, and poor customer service.
The engineer further pointed out that Akwa Ibom, despite hosting one of Nigeria’s most significant power plants, still faces unreliable supply due to systemic corruption and inefficiencies. He emphasized the need for an independent, transparent regulatory framework that prioritizes accountability and service delivery.
The Way Forward
Engr. Essien outlined several key steps to resolve the electricity crisis in Akwa Ibom and beyond:
1. Decentralization of Power Distribution: He advocated for a review of the electricity distribution model to allow states like Akwa Ibom to manage their own power supply independently.
2. Massive Investment in Infrastructure: There is a need for modern transmission and distribution facilities to ensure efficient energy delivery to consumers.
3. Policy Reforms and Government Intervention: The state and federal governments must enforce policies that promote efficiency, transparency, and competition in the power sector.
4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encouraging private sector investment in power generation and distribution can help bridge the infrastructure gap.
5. Consumer Protection and Billing Reforms: Ending estimated billing and ensuring fair, prepaid metering systems will restore consumer confidence.
Engr. Elder Essien Etukudoh Essien reaffirmed his commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to drive solutions that will guarantee stable and affordable electricity in Akwa Ibom. He urged the government, policymakers, and citizens to push for reforms that will end the monopoly of inefficient electricity distributors and pave the way for a brighter, electrified future for the state.
