UYO, NIGERIA — Akwa Ibom State has announced its target of February 17, 2027, to complete the transfer of regulatory control of its electricity market. The control will move from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to the state regulator.
The Commissioner for Power, Mr. Iniobong Robson, disclosed this on Friday during a ministerial briefing in Uyo. He said the state had received a federal regulatory order setting out the process and timeline for the transition.
The Transition Order
Robson said the order, NERC/2026/087, was issued on August 18, 2026. It was issued under Section 230 of the Electricity Act 2023.
This made Akwa Ibom the 17th state to receive approval to assume regulatory oversight of electricity supply and distribution within its territory.
Under the order, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company is required to incorporate a subsidiary. The subsidiary will handle electricity distribution within Akwa Ibom within 60 days. It must also obtain an operating licence from the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Smooth Transition
Robson said all arrangements for the transfer were expected to be completed by February 17, 2027. He added that Governor Umo Eno had already met with the PHED board. The governor urged the company to cooperate with the state to ensure a smooth transition.
He assured electricity consumers that the process would not disrupt existing services.
“Customers should expect no disruption to service, billing, or customer care as a result of this transition. Any changes will be communicated well in advance,” Robson said.
Institutions Established
He explained that the transfer followed the establishment of key institutions required to operate the state’s electricity market. These include AKSERC and Ibom Electricity Holding Limited.
The five-member board of AKSERC, chaired by Mrs. Arit Okon Uya, was inaugurated on June 4, 2026. This followed screening and confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
The commission is expected to regulate electricity transactions between buyers and sellers within the state. It will also oversee licensing and enforce service standards.
Ibom Power
Robson clarified that the establishment of the holding company did not mean the state was selling its electricity assets. It also did not mean the state was relinquishing ownership interests in Ibom Power Company and Four Power Consortium.
“Let me restate, for the avoidance of doubt, that the state government has not at all sold and has no intention of divesting from Ibom Power Company Limited,” he said.
On the future of Ibom Power, the commissioner disclosed that proposals from prospective private-sector partners were being evaluated. The proposals cover the rehabilitation, operation, maintenance, and expansion of the state-owned power plant.
He said the government intended to rehabilitate and commercialise the plant through private capital and technical expertise rather than sell it.
Off-Grid Programme
Robson said the government was also preparing an off-grid electricity programme. This would address the needs of communities with little or no access to the existing distribution network.
He disclosed that a solar home system programme was being developed. It would provide electricity to households and small businesses outside reliable grid coverage.
Plans are also underway to train young people in solar installation, operation, and maintenance.
Caution on Reforms
Robson cautioned that the reforms would not translate into immediate electricity supply improvements across every community. He noted that the sector required sustained investment, technical expertise, and effective regulation.
“No reform will light every home overnight,” he said. He urged residents to protect electricity infrastructure and report vandalism.
He said the success of the new electricity market would depend on a system where consumers paid for electricity consumed and operators were held accountable.
NUJ Commendation
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nsibiet John, commended the Ministry of Power. He cited improvements in electricity supply at the union’s premises.
John said electricity supply at the NUJ premises had previously been poor until the ministry intervened. He urged the ministry to sustain its interventions.
What This Means
The transfer of regulatory control is a significant step for Akwa Ibom State. It gives the state greater control over its electricity market.
The reforms could lead to improved electricity supply and better service delivery. But the success will depend on effective implementation and sustained investment.
