Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared a new era of energy security for the state, affirming that electricity will serve as the single most important driver of his administration’s development agenda.
Speaking at the Akwa Ibom–REA Strategic Roundtable in Abuja, the Governor announced the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to accelerate electricity access, boost industrialization, and attract private sector investment into the state’s power sector.
“We have moved from aspiration to legal and institutional foundation. Today, we pivot to implementation and delivery,” Governor Eno stated, emphasizing that within the past year, the state has delivered the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy (2024), enacted the Electricity Law (2025), and established regulatory frameworks to guide the new electricity market.
Governor Eno explained that electricity is central to the ARISE Agenda, serving as a catalyst for agriculture, industry, healthcare, education, digital innovation, and women-led enterprises. He assured investors of a friendly business climate, promising expedited permits, access to land, regulatory clarity, and government-backed support to ensure project success.
“Electricity is the key driver of our purpose to ensure that every Akwa Ibomite, in every corner of this state, can live with dignity and opportunity in the 21st century,” he said, urging Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) and private investors to transition from concepts to concrete projects within the next 15–18 months.
The Governor further disclosed that the state will harness its natural gas and small hydro resources while also expanding renewable energy deployment, creating a balanced and sustainable energy transition model.
In her remarks, Deputy Governor Dr. Akon Eyakenyi described the roundtable as “a critical milestone” in Akwa Ibom’s journey toward universal electricity access, particularly through off-grid solutions targeting unserved and underserved communities.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Aliyu Baba, commended Governor Eno’s leadership, noting that the ARISE Agenda aligns closely with national electrification goals. He pledged REA’s continued support in mobilizing private investors to deliver affordable power to rural communities.
Commissioner for Power, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson Etebe, in his presentation, outlined vast opportunities in solar, hydro, and gas-to-power projects, highlighting policy incentives already in place to guarantee investor confidence and project sustainability.
The event also featured a presentation of the REA Community Mapping Tool by the Technical Adviser of the Nigerian Electrification Program (NEP), providing a digital framework to target electricity projects across the state.
The high-level roundtable concluded with the formal signing of the MoU between the Akwa Ibom State Government and the REA, marking a significant step in institutionalizing energy partnerships. Governor Eno was accompanied by senior members of his cabinet, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Commissioners for Power, Finance, Justice, Information, and Local Government Affairs, alongside advisers and top aides.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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