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September 18, 2025 by Bassey Anthony, Uyo
The Federal Government has pledged to partner with Akwa Ibom state and other subnationals in the development of independent electricty markets.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu made the commitment on Thursday at the two-day Akwa Ibom Power Summit holding at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene.
Adelabu said that the independent electricity markets under the new Electricity Act, 2023 is a major component President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the initiative seeks to decentralise Nigeria’s electricity supply industry and improve energy access nationwide.
The Minister said the Electricity Act, signed into law last year, empowers states to establish and regulate their own electricity markets, a shift he described as “transformative.”
He, however, emphasized the importance of aligning state-level initiatives with federal frameworks to ensure stability, reliability, and investor confidence in the national grid.
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“Our common goal is to guarantee that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to reliable electricity to power homes, businesses, and industries.
“This requires harmonization of standards, clarity for investors, and effective coordination between federal and state regulators”, he said.
Adelabu pledged that federal agencies, including the Rural Electrification Agency, would provide technical and financial support to Akwa Ibom in deploying innovative solutions such as mini-grids, standalone systems, and clean energy projects to reach underserved communities.
He further urged participants at the summit to use the platform to design “bankable policies and regulatory frameworks” that would attract private sector investment, safeguard consumers, and build sustainable state electricity markets.
Governor Umo Eno described the summit as a turning point in the state’s quest for energy security. He lamented that despite owning a 191-megawatt power plant and abundant gas resources, Akwa Ibom still grapples with unreliable electricity supply.
The Governor said the summit must produce a practical roadmap with clear timelines and responsibilities. “Electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of modern life. Our vision is for every home, every school, and every hospital to enjoy stable power supply,” he declared.
He announced that Akwa Ibom had already enacted an Electricity Policy (2024) and Electricity Law (2025), paving the way for the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market.
He stressed that reforms would be anchored on transparency, professionalism, and citizen-centered governance.
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