Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has declared a state of emergency in the power sector, emphasizing the critical role of consistent electricity supply in driving economic growth under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

Speaking at the EXCO Ministerial Briefing and End-of-Year Review on Tuesday in Uyo, the governor unveiled plans for a Power Summit to be held between January and March 2025. The summit will address the sector’s challenges and propose actionable solutions, including the formation of a Power Infrastructure Committee.

Challenges in the Sector
Governor Eno highlighted the state’s ₦40 billion ($7.9 million) debt to Acugas, the gas supplier for the Ibom Power Plant, as a significant obstacle to reliable electricity supply.

Criticizing the former Managing Director of Ibom Power, Engr Meyen Etukudo, who was recently sacked, the governor said:
“We are owing the gas company ₦40 billion, and the MD came out to make a press statement blaming them for power outages. The right approach would have been to engage diplomatically, not escalate tensions publicly.”

Eno also disapproved of the former MD’s decision to delegate operations to a contractor during his leave, calling it an unacceptable lapse in management.

Vision for the Future
Governor Eno affirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving 24-hour power supply to drive economic transformation. He commended the efforts of Engr Camillus Umoh, the Commissioner for Power, for initiating reforms in the operations of Ibom Power Company and pushing for sustainable solutions.

Stakeholders’ Support
Prominent stakeholders, including Chief Nduese Essien and HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, lauded the governor’s commitment to transparency and his proactive steps toward addressing the power sector’s challenges.

The Way Forward
The planned Power Summit will serve as a platform for collaboration among key stakeholders and industry experts to devise innovative strategies for resolving the state’s electricity issues. Governor Eno assured citizens that the state government is prioritizing the sector and will implement solutions to deliver uninterrupted power supply.

This initiative underscores Akwa Ibom’s commitment to leveraging electricity as a catalyst for economic development and improving the quality of life for its residents.