•Governor Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has mandated the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, AKSERC, to overhaul the state’s power sector within 18 months, in order to meet public demand and drive economic growth through reliable electricity supply.
Governor Eno gave the charge today, Thursday, June 4, 2026, during the inauguration of a 5-member board for AKSERC at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
“As a listening government, we feel the pain our people are going through with inadequate supply of electricity; and, we have taken concrete steps to address the issue,” the governor said.
He disclosed that since adopting the Akwa Ibom Electricity Sector Reform Programme at the September 2025 Electricity summit, the state has followed a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving energy security, industrial expansion and sustainable economic development.
He assured that in no distance time “the problem of electricity in our state will be addressed to the best of our capacity and our people will enjoy uninterrupted electricity.”
According to the governor, “the establishment of AKSERC and the appointment of its pioneer Commissioners represent major milestones in that journey. They demonstrate our resolve to build a modern, competitive and efficiently regulated electricity market that will serve the needs of our people and attract investment into the sector.”
He expressed confidence in the rigour and integrity of the process that produced members of the AKSERC, stressing that “the commissioners emerged through a structured, transparent and merit-based process, not by chance, convenience or personal discretion. Their appointment reflects our commitment to competence, professionalism and institutional excellence and the credibility of the process that brought them to office.”
The governor who outlined the essence of AKSERC, said the Commission will be the sole regulator of the power sector in the state.
“AKSERC is the sole regulator of all electricity business conducted between buyers and sellers within Akwa Ibom State.
“The mandate of the Commission covers the regulation of electricity market activities, operators, transactions and services in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electricity Act, 2023, and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025. This responsibility places the Commission at the centre of our electricity transformation agenda.”
He directed the Commission to work constructively with relevant Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies to secure the transfer of the full extent of Akwa Ibom State’s electricity regulatory powers.
The State Chief Executive equally charged them to engage with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company ( PHEDC) and other stakeholders towards the establishment of a state electricity distribution company in a manner that is fair, transparent and commercially credible,” he added.
The governor mandated the Commission to also produce a programme tracker that fully covers the Commission’s operationalisation plan and its approved budget “to enable us monitor progress in the delivery of its various plans and programmes.”
He reiterated that with the inauguration of AKSERC, the government is positioning the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market as a credible and competitive component of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“Our objective is to create an environment where operators, investors and licensees are incentivised to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity while protecting consumer interests and promoting economic growth,” he said.
The State Chief Executive appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying, “this milestone has been made possible by the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the power sector, particularly the Electricity Act, 2023, which has empowered states to assume greater responsibility for electricity regulation and market development.
He also appreciated the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and the Members for their unwavering support, especially the passage of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025, confirmation of the Commissioners and continued partnership, which he said have been instrumental to the success recorded in the determination to provide stable electricity.
Inaugurating the five-man electricity Commission, the governor pronounced Mrs. Arit Uya as Chairperson/Chief Executive and Commissioner for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs, with Dr. Kalu Ukoha serving as Vice Chairman and Commissioner for Policy, Planning and Innovation.
He noted that Engr. Ubong Etukudoh will serve as Commissioner, Engineering Services; Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Obot to serve as Commissioner, Finance and Corporate Support; and Mr. Paul Okon as Commissioner in charge of Economic Regulation.
“Together, I charge you to deliver on our promise of regular electricity for the people of Akwa Ibom State within the next eighteen months,” he said.
Governor Eno further assured that beyond the establishment of the Commission, the government has undertaken critical institutional reforms to strengthen the foundation of the State’s electricity market.
“We have incorporated Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL) as the strategic vehicle for managing State electricity assets and investments.
We have also commenced the regularisation of Akwa Ibom State’s shareholding interests in 4Power Consortium Limited and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company as a precursor to the establishment of a dedicated Akwa Ibom State electricity distribution subsidiary,” he said.
He emphasised that these actions are designed to place the state in a stronger position to drive investment, improve service delivery and create a sustainable electricity ecosystem.
Giving her commitment to effective job delivery on their assignment, Mrs. Arit Uya, pledged to work hard to fulfill the expectations of the Government and the people of Akwa Ibom State by ensuring professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork and results.
She appreciated the governor for the confidence he reposed in them as well as his remarkable support towards the accomplishment of their assigned duties.
