FG, Akwa Ibom Collaborate to Boost Affordable Power Supply

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, has expressed readiness to partner with the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for residents.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the declaration during his opening remarks at the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Summit 2025 held in Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area on Thursday. The minister was represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi.

Adelabu stressed that achieving sustainable electricity supply requires strong collaboration among federal, state, and local governments. “As Akwa Ibom State develops its electricity market, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, stands ready to partner with the state government to realise its resolve of delivering reliable and affordable power supply to its people,” he said.

He emphasised that, while the state has the constitutional right to determine the trajectory of its electricity market, effective coordination with the federal government is necessary to ensure state initiatives align with national frameworks. This, he said, will safeguard the stability, reliability, and efficiency of the entire electricity value chain.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who hosted the summit, welcomed the collaboration but urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions to practical action. “This summit should not be another talk shop. It should chart a roadmap with clear timelines, responsibilities, and expected outcomes. Only then can we successfully advance towards achieving electricity for all,” he said.

Governor Eno also highlighted the paradox of abundant resources amid unreliable power supply. “We are blessed with abundant gas and a state-owned power plant with an installed capacity of 191 megawatts, yet many homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals still grapple with epileptic power. Why is our Ibom Power Plant not operating optimally for the benefit of our people since its establishment in 2001?” he asked.

The governor added that the state is repaying a $9 million Afreximbank loan invested in the plant and raised the possibility of either overhauling the facility or exploring a public-private partnership arrangement to improve performance.

Eno said the state’s vision for electricity access is guided by the principle that power is not a luxury but a critical enabler of modern life. “When rural health clinics have steady electricity, lives are saved. When farmers can process and store their produce, incomes rise. Reliable energy boosts productivity, enhances learning for children, and improves overall living standards,” he noted.

The summit brought together stakeholders from the power sector to develop actionable strategies that will ensure total electricity access across Akwa Ibom State.