Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has emphasized the need for a stronger partnership between the state government and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) to ensure a steady and reliable power supply in the state. During a courtesy visit from the Board and management of PHED to the Government House in Uyo, Eno highlighted the importance of reliable electricity in achieving the goals of his administration's ARISE Agenda.
Eno noted that the state's gas resources, generation capacity, and industrial potential can attract investments and drive growth, but this depends on a reliable power supply. He tasked PHED to review its strategy in the state in line with the state's electricity policy, which aims to provide a framework for the development of the electricity sector in Akwa Ibom.
The Governor assured PHED that the state government is prepared to work with the company to improve the power supply in the state. He mentioned that the state has set up a regulatory commission, the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), to provide transparent and predictable regulations, and set expectations for investment in the state's electricity market.
Eno also urged PHED to comply with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission's (NERC) transfer order of August 18, 2026, by incorporating an Akwa Ibom Distribution Company (Disco). This order transferred the regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market in Akwa Ibom State to AKSERC, under section 230 of the Electricity Act, 2023.
Earlier, Olive Kemenanabo, the Board Chairman of PHED PLC, commended Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and commitment to improving electricity supply and economic growth in the state. He said the Board was in the state for their meeting, which was the first outside the company's corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt, and decided to pay homage to the Governor.
Kemenanabo pledged PHED's commitment to collaborating with the state government to improve electricity service delivery and achieve reliable and uninterrupted power supply across the state. The Governor was received by Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government, Aniefiok Johnson, the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, and Arit Okon Uya, Chairman/CEO, AKSERC, amongst others.
The meeting between the Governor and PHED officials highlights the state's efforts to address the challenges facing the power sector in Akwa Ibom. With a reliable power supply, the state can unlock its economic potential, create jobs, and improve the living standards of its citizens. The collaboration between the state government and PHED is expected to yield positive results in the state's power sector.
Key points
- Governor Eno emphasizes the need for reliable electricity to achieve the goals of his administration's ARISE Agenda.
- The state government has set up a regulatory commission to provide transparent and predictable regulations for the electricity market.
- PHED has pledged to collaborate with the state government to improve electricity service delivery and achieve reliable power supply.
