Akwa Ibom to establish electricity regulatory commission, concessioning of Ibom power plant

The Akwa Ibom State Government says it has commenced the process of establishing the State’s Electricity Regulatory Commission as well as concessioning of the Ibom Power Plant.

Iniobong Robson, Commissioner for Power, who disclosed this at the weekend, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, said the development was part of efforts meant to improve electricity supply across the State.

He also said the development followed the signing of the amended Electricity Act by President Bola Tinubu, which empowered States to generate, distribute and regulate electricity within their jurisdictions.

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According to him, the amended version of the electricity Act 2023, now empowers states to take charge of both generation and distribution of electricity, adding that the state government was taking advantage of the new legal framework to assume greater control over its power sector and address persistent electricity challenges.

He revealed that within the shortest possible time, the State Government would constitute a seven-member Electricity Regulatory Commission comprising five commissioners and two principal officers.

The commissioner also revealed that members of the Commission would be selected based on professional competence, technical expertise and integrity to ensure effective regulation of the State’s electricity market.

The Commissioner noted that the State is strategically positioned to drive power sector reform, citing its vast gas reserves and the existing Ibom power plant as critical assets.

“The State-owned power plant will be revitalised through concession to a technically and financially capable operator to enhance efficiency and increase generation capacity. The goal is to ensure full commercial operations and improve service delivery to residents,” he said.

He added that within six months of establishing the Commission, regulatory oversight of electricity distribution within the State would begin transitioning from the Federal Regulator to the State Authority.

According to him, this is in line with the provisions of the amended law.

He explained that while transmission of electricity would remain under Federal Control, the State could generate surplus power for export to other states through the national grid.

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He however acknowledged complaints from residents in some parts of the state over poor electricity supply, assuring that reforms were designed to address infrastructure deficiencies and improve service delivery.

He also said that the State Government had developed a 10-year roadmap for the power sector, which include infrastructure upgrades, technical reviews and stakeholder engagement.

Robson expressed optimism that the reforms would position Akwa Ibom to achieve stable and reliable electricity supply in the long term.