Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Bassey Eno PhD, has declared the Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit 2025 open, describing it as a major turning point in the State’s quest for energy security and unlimited access to power.
He says the time has come for someone to take a critical decision to make things work in the State’s power sector by asking the right questions and getting the right answers.
Speaking at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Thursday, Governor Eno said the summit must move beyond being another talk shop to producing a practical roadmap with timelines, clear responsibilities, and measurable outcomes.
“For decades, our people have lived with the paradox of great energy potentials but little to show for it. Electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of modern life.
“This Summit should deliver a concrete action plan that ensures every home, every business, and every school in Akwa Ibom has reliable power.”
Speaking further, Governor Eno underscored the importance of collaboration between the State and the Federal government, recalling the recent MoU signed with the Rural Electrification Agency to expand access in underserved communities.
He also stressed that Akwa Ibom state’s electricity reforms would be anchored on transparency, professionalism, and partnerships with the private sector, development partners, and local communities.
“Our vision is ambitious but achievable. We will not politicize electricity. We will build a State electricity market that stands the test of time and serves our people.”
Earlier in her welcome address, Deputy Governor and Chairperson of the Summit Organizing Committee, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, described the gathering as a historic moment, not only for Akwa Ibom State but for Nigeria as a whole.
She noted that with the passage of the Electricity Act 2023 and the State’s own Electricity Law 2025, Akwa Ibom had the foundation to chart its own electricity market.
“This summit is structured to align politics, policy, and investment with technical and financial reforms that will deliver real change.
She further urged participants, regulators, investors, development partners, and community leaders to approach discussions with seriousness and focus, with the ultimate goal of producing a State Electricity Sector Action Programme to guide implementation.
In his separate goodwill messages, Minister of Power represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Hon. Adedoyin Oluwoniyi, lauded Governor Eno for taking a bold step toward energy reform.
“This summit is timely and significant. As Akwa Ibom is energized, industry will grow, productivity will rise, and the economy will expand.”
Mr. Eyo Ekpo, Team Lead of Power Component UKNIAF, and representatives of donor agencies including the UN Development Programs, pledged support for the State’s electricity ambitions, emphasizing that the journey to a state-led electricity market was critical for Nigeria’s development.
Other goodwill messages also came from the Speaker of the House of Representatives who was represented by Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Chairman, House Committee on Power, representatives of the Governors of Enugu, Abia, Cross River, and Bayelsa States, all of whom praised Akwa Ibom for setting a precedent that would benefit other states.
Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Eket Senatorial District, who spoke for the National Assembly Caucus from the State, described the initiative as bold and impressive, promising their readiness to move for legislative backings to ensure that the reforms succeed.
Highpoint of the event was the official unveiling of the State Electricity Regulatory Policy and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, jointly performed by Governor Eno, Deputy Governor Eyakenyi, representative of the Speaker of House of Representatives, the Minister of Power’s representative, and other dignitaries, including the Governors’ representatives, the Chairman of Ibom Power, Acting Managing Director of Ibom Power, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Justice, the Secretary to the State Government and the Executive Assistant to the Governor.
The summit, themed “Attaining Energy Security and Universal Access for Akwa Ibom State within the Framework of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry”, continues with technical sessions/discussions designed to produce actionable strategies for reliable power supply across the State.