By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced sweeping plans to revitalise non-functional electricity infrastructure and concession the Ibom Power Plant to a competent private operator as part of efforts to improve power supply across the state.
The Commissioner for Power, Hon. Iniobong Robson, disclosed this while outlining the government’s strategy to address persistent electricity challenges, including underperforming distribution lines and generation constraints.
Robson said the state is set to embark on a comprehensive rehabilitation of what he described as “dead” electricity lines, noting that many of them are not entirely inactive but are operating below optimal capacity due to poor maintenance and other technical issues.
“Sometimes, these lines aren’t completely dead but are not functioning optimally,” he explained. “There are claims that insufficient gas supply is responsible, but we have not experienced a situation of adequate gas supply to fully determine that. What is clear is that without proper maintenance, the capacity of these facilities drops significantly.”
Using an analogy, the commissioner likened the situation to poorly maintained vehicle engines that lose efficiency over time, stressing that a systematic overhaul is necessary to restore performance.
He assured residents that the government is committed to addressing longstanding concerns in the power sector, adding that efforts are underway to resolve operational bottlenecks affecting electricity distribution.
As part of the reform measures, Robson revealed that the state government plans to concession the Ibom Power Plant to a private firm with proven financial strength, technical expertise and operational capacity.
“What we intend to do is to bring in a competent company that can efficiently run the plant,” he said. “This will ensure improved generation and better service delivery.”
The commissioner also addressed public concerns over the apparent contradiction between local power generation and inadequate electricity supply, noting that the situation stems from structural and operational limitations within the system.
He, however, expressed optimism that the proposed reforms would reposition the state to take greater control of its power generation and distribution.
“With these initiatives, we will be in a position to determine our priorities.
While export of electricity may still occur, it will be carefully managed to ensure that the needs of our people are met first,” Robson stated.
The planned intervention signals a renewed push by the state government to stabilise power supply and drive economic growth through improved energy infrastructure. (Source: The Mail).
