By Ephraim Okon, PhD
In a bold move that is part political masterstroke and part energy revolution, Akwa Ibom State is rewriting its future, one kilowatt at a time. For years, Nigerians have joked that the national power grid is less of a network and more of a mood swing, flickering with all the unpredictability of a candle in a windstorm. But Governor Umo Eno’s administration is having none of it. They are not just complaining about the darkness; they are flipping the switch themselves. This is not just about a state taking advantage of the new Electricity Act 2023; it is about a leadership team with a palpable sense of urgency that says, “We have waited long enough. Let us get this done.”
A LANDMARK SUMMIT FOR A NEW MARKET
The two-day Akwa Ibom State Electricity Summit, held to chart a new course for the state’s power sector, was a landmark event that moved beyond a mere “talk shop” to produce a concrete roadmap for energy reform. It brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, industry experts, investors, and representatives from federal government bodies like the Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Also in attendance were representatives from other state governments, who were eager to learn from Akwa Ibom’s pioneering efforts. The summit’s core objectives were to unveil the new Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law (2025) and Electricity Policy (2024), secure stakeholder buy-in, and outline a practical action plan with clear timelines.
The overall outcome was a resounding success, culminating in a firm commitment from Governor Umo Eno’s administration to transform the state’s energy landscape. A key resolution was the immediate establishment of two new, merit-based agencies: the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) for oversight and the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency (AISEA) to drive rural access. The governor also affirmed plans to rehabilitate and commercialise the state-owned Ibom Power Company and upgrade the distribution network. The event successfully positioned Akwa Ibom as a leader in Nigeria’s decentralised power reform, with a blueprint that other states could emulate.
The Blueprint and Its Action Plan
The state’s strategic approach is built on a clear, comprehensive legal framework. The Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law (2025) and its accompanying Electricity Policy (2024) serve as the ironclad rulebook for a new market. The principal aim of this law is to establish a legal and institutional framework for the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity within the state. Its core objectives are to enable a competitive, climate-smart, and socially inclusive electricity market, expand access, promote renewable energy and local content, and ultimately attract trade and investment.
This ambitious legal framework is backed by a clear roadmap of actionable steps. The administration plans to rehabilitate and commercialise the Ibom Power Company, a pre-existing asset that will serve as the engine of the new market. The state will hold majority shares in the new Akwa Ibom State Electricity Distribution Company as it is established and licensed to operate within the state’s distribution network.5 This pragmatic approach proves that the government can take a neglected asset and transform it into a powerhouse. The state’s vision also extends beyond mere self-sufficiency. Governor Eno disclosed plans to pilot renewable energy projects, ensuring that at least 20% of the state’s future power will come from clean sources. A Consumer Bill of Rights will also be published and enforced to ensure fair treatment for all consumers and protection of electricity assets.
The summit is poised to have significant effects across different timeframes:
Short-Term Effects: Within the next 24 months, the state will see the operationalisation of AKSERC and AISEA, the commencement of the rehabilitation of Ibom Power Company, and the launch of the first phase of the State Electrification Plan. The summit’s success has also sent a strong signal to investors, indicating a transparent and legally-backed environment for investment.
Medium-Term Effects: In the next five years, the state is expected to have a fully functional and self-sustaining electricity market. The commercialisation of Ibom Power Company and the establishment of a state-owned electricity distribution company will create a robust value chain. This period will also see a significant increase in private sector investment and the pilot of renewable energy projects, creating new jobs and stimulating local content development.
Long-Term Effects: The ultimate ambition is to “deliver better service to more households and by 2034, God willing, every household in Akwa Ibom will have quality electricity service.” The long-term effect of the summit will be the transformation of the state into a regional energy hub, powered by a stable, reliable, and diversified energy mix.
A MODEL FOR NATIONAL REFORM
Akwa Ibom’s bold move is not an isolated incident; it is part of a growing, nationwide trend of states leveraging the new Electricity Act to solve their power challenges. States like Enugu, Lagos, and Edo have also taken significant steps to establish their own electricity regulatory bodies and implement their own power sector reforms. Enugu, for instance, has already moved to sanction power distribution companies, while Lagos is pursuing ambitious targets to generate six gigawatts of power. However, Akwa Ibom’s approach is particularly noteworthy for its holistic and strategic nature, combining a strong legal foundation with a clear institutional framework, the commercialisation of state assets, and a long-term vision.
Of course, this journey will not be without its bumps. The state will have to master the delicate dance of coordination with federal bodies like the Transmission Company of Nigeria while also navigating the financial tightrope of securing massive investment and implementing cost-reflective tariffs. The independence of the new regulatory commission is paramount; it must be free from political meddling to make the tough decisions necessary for a fair and functional market. But if Akwa Ibom can pull this off, it will not only light up its own homes and industries but also serve as a beacon of hope for all of Nigeria. By asserting its legal authority under the 2023 Electricity Act, the state is building a model that can be replicated across the country. The days of waiting for the national grid to make up its mind might finally be over, replaced by a future where power is a right, not a rumour. Akwa Ibom is leading the charge, and its success will pave the way for a truly electrified future for Nigeria.
(Barr. Ephraim Okon, PhD, serves as the Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Grassroots Mobilisation. As a lawyer and a cultural diplomat, he brings over 17 years of experience in public health and strategic development communication to his work. He is an international development consultant who writes from his hometown of Okon in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.)
