By Solomon OKPO
Abuja, Sept. 10, 2025 — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Wednesday announced a decisive shift in the State’s energy landscape, declaring that the era of electricity insecurity is over as his administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja.
Speaking at the Akwa Ibom–REA Strategic Roundtable, Governor Eno said electricity remains the single most important driver of the State’s ARISE Agenda, powering agriculture, industries, hospitals, schools, digital hubs, and women-led enterprises.
“We have moved from aspiration to legal and institutional foundation. Today, we pivot to implementation and delivery,” the Governor declared, stressing that investors can expect expedited permits, land allocations, and financing support to guarantee project success.
Within the last year, Akwa Ibom has launched the State Electricity Policy (2024), enacted the Electricity Law (2025), and set up regulatory frameworks to implement its ambitious energy plan. Governor Eno urged Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) and private sector partners to move beyond concepts to concrete projects within 15–18 months, noting that the State will leverage natural gas and small hydro resources while expanding renewable energy options for a sustainable transition.
Deputy Governor Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, in her welcome address, described the roundtable as a “critical milestone” in the State’s drive to achieve universal access to electricity, particularly for underserved and unserved communities.
The Managing Director of the REA, Aliyu Baba, praised Governor Eno’s commitment to rural development, noting that Akwa Ibom’s agenda aligns with the Federal Government’s national electrification strategy. “REA will continue to partner with states to attract private sector investors and ensure affordable electricity for rural dwellers,” he assured.
Commissioner for Power, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson Etebe, highlighted investment opportunities in solar, hydro, and gas-to-power projects, assuring stakeholders that the State has created a business-friendly environment designed to make such ventures viable and sustainable.
The event also featured a presentation of the REA Community Mapping Tool by the Nigerian Electrification Program (NEP) and culminated in the formal signing of the MoU between the Akwa Ibom State Government and REA.
Governor Eno was accompanied by Deputy Governor Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Delivery Adviser Aniefiok Johnson, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Commissioners for Power, Finance, Information, and Local Government, alongside the Special Adviser on Rural Development and Cooperatives.
