-
Akwa Ibom becomes the 17th state to secure NERC approval for independent regulation of its electricity market.
-
Government targets February 2027 for completion of PHED’s transition to a state-regulated distribution subsidiary.
-
Ibom Power rehabilitation and solar home systems form part of plans to provide reliable electricity to all households by 2034.
October 31, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State has become the 17th state in Nigeria to secure regulatory control of its electricity market, marking a major milestone in its efforts to overhaul the power sector and guarantee reliable electricity supply to households and businesses by 2034.
The development follows the issuance of Order No. NERC/2026/087 by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on August 18, 2026, initiating the transfer of regulatory oversight to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).
The Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Robson, disclosed this during a ministerial briefing in Uyo, explaining that the order requires Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to establish a subsidiary responsible for electricity distribution and supply within the state within 60 days. The transition is expected to be completed by February 17, 2027.
Robson said the reform was designed to establish an independent state electricity market, attract private investment, rehabilitate the Ibom Power Company and extend reliable electricity services to communities across the state’s 31 local government areas.
He explained that the government had established Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL) to manage its investments in the electricity sector and regularise its shareholding in strategic assets, including Fourth Power Consulting Limited and PHED.
The Commissioner stressed that the government had no intention of selling its investments in Ibom Power or relinquishing its equity interests in the electricity assets, adding that proposals from prospective private-sector partners for the rehabilitation and concession of Ibom Power and the proposed state distribution utility were being evaluated.
According to him, the proposed partnerships would provide the technical expertise and financing required to rehabilitate, operate and expand the facilities without transferring ownership of the state’s investments.
Robson disclosed that Governor Umo Eno had also inaugurated the pioneer five-member board of AKSERC, chaired by Arit-Okon Uya, while the operational framework for the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency had been completed and submitted for approval.
He said the electrification agency would coordinate electricity projects in underserved towns and villages, while a proposed solar home system programme would provide alternative power solutions for households and small businesses in communities with inadequate grid access.
The government also plans to train young people in solar installation, operation and maintenance to create employment opportunities and develop local expertise in the renewable energy sector.
Robson said the transition to state regulation would not disrupt electricity supply, billing or customer services, assuring consumers that necessary changes would be communicated ahead of implementation.
He added that the state expected the incorporation of PHED’s distribution subsidiary before the end of 2026.
READ ALSO:
The Commissioner identified vandalism of transformers and electricity infrastructure as major challenges, urging residents to protect public power facilities and report suspicious activities.
He acknowledged that achieving electricity sufficiency would require sustained investment and could not happen overnight.
In her remarks, the AKSERC Chairman, Arit-Okon Uya, said the commission was developing regulatory instruments to ensure accountability, enforce industry standards and establish a financially sustainable electricity market capable of attracting investors.
The electricity reforms are anchored on the Electricity Act 2023, the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law 2025, which empower the state to regulate its electricity market and license operators.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Nsibiet John, said the success of the electricity reforms should ultimately be measured by improved power supply to residents, businesses and public institutions rather than the establishment of regulatory structures alone.
He stressed the importance of transparency, effective regulation and accountability in ensuring that the reforms translate into affordable, stable and accessible electricity, adding that reliable power supply would strengthen businesses, create jobs and accelerate economic development across the state.
The government has set 2034 as the target for ensuring that every household in Akwa Ibom has access to quality and reliable electricity.
