By Solomon OKPO
Governor Umo Bassey Eno has declared open the 2025 Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit, pledging to end the State’s long-standing electricity crisis and deliver reliable power to homes, businesses, and schools.
Speaking at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, on Thursday, Governor Eno described the summit as a “turning point” in the State’s energy journey, stressing that it must move beyond rhetoric to actionable reforms.
“For decades, our people have lived with the paradox of great energy potentials but little to show for it. Electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of modern life,” he said. “This summit should deliver a concrete action plan with timelines, clear responsibilities, and measurable outcomes.”
The Governor emphasized that Akwa Ibom’s electricity reforms will be anchored on transparency, professionalism, and partnerships with the private sector, federal government, donor agencies, and local communities. He recalled the State’s recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency as proof of commitment to expanding access to underserved areas.
Deputy Governor and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, hailed the event as historic, noting that with the passage of the Federal Electricity Act 2023 and Akwa Ibom’s own Electricity Law 2025, the State is positioned to establish a viable electricity market.
“This summit is structured to align politics, policy, and investment with technical and financial reforms that will deliver real change,” she said, urging participants to remain focused on producing a State Electricity Sector Action Programme.
Goodwill messages poured in from dignitaries, including the Minister of Power (represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Hon. Adedoyin Oluwoniyi), who praised Governor Eno’s bold initiative, describing it as “timely and significant.” Representatives of donor agencies such as the UNDP, alongside the UKNIAF Power Team, pledged technical and financial support.
Lawmakers, including Senator Ekong Sampson, speaking for the State’s National Assembly caucus, also assured of legislative backing to sustain the reforms. Messages of solidarity further came from the Speaker of the House of Representatives (represented by Hon. Victor Nwokolo), and governors of Enugu, Abia, Cross River, and Bayelsa States, who commended Akwa Ibom for setting the pace in state-led electricity reform.
The summit’s highpoint was the unveiling of the State Electricity Regulatory Policy and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law by Governor Eno, Deputy Governor Eyakenyi, federal representatives, and other dignitaries.
With the theme “Attaining Energy Security and Universal Access for Akwa Ibom State within the Framework of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the summit continues with technical sessions aimed at developing a practical roadmap to guarantee uninterrupted power supply across the State.
