Governor Umo Eno has called for stronger collaboration between the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc (PHED) to improve electricity supply and drive economic development across the state.
Governor Eno made the call on Thursday when he received the board and management of PHED, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, the state capital.
The Governor said reliable and affordable electricity supply remains central to his administration’s ARISE Agenda and the state’s electricity policy, which is aimed at powering businesses, industries and households across the 31 local government areas.
He noted that power is a critical enabler for the growth of small and medium scale enterprises, industrialization and job creation, stressing that Akwa Ibom cannot achieve its full economic potential without a stable and efficient power distribution system.
Governor Eno therefore urged PHED to review its operations in Akwa Ibom State to align with the state’s policy direction, particularly in the areas of improved customer service, prompt response to faults and reduction in estimated billing.
He emphasized that the state government has made huge investments in the power sector over the years, including the Ibom Power Plant, injection sub-stations and distribution infrastructure, and expects PHED as the distribution licensee to complement those efforts with better service delivery.
The Governor also urged the company to comply fully with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) transfer order of August 18, 2026, which requires PHED to incorporate a dedicated subsidiary for electricity distribution within Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the compliance with the NERC order is necessary for effective regulation, operational autonomy and improved efficiency, in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 that empowers states to regulate their electricity markets.
He explained that the Akwa Ibom State Government has already established the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) to regulate electricity generation, transmission and distribution within the state and to protect the interests of both consumers and investors.
Governor Eno assured the PHED delegation that his administration is open to partnership and will provide the necessary support to enable the company succeed, but insisted that the partnership must translate into visible improvement in power supply to Akwa Ibom people.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the PHED Board, Engineer Olice Kemenanabo, commended Governor Eno for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to improving electricity supply and promoting economic growth in the state.
Kemenanabo said the board and management of PHED were in the state to strengthen engagement with the state government, listen to its concerns and explore areas of collaboration to improve power distribution and customer experience.
He acknowledged the challenges of electricity distribution in the state and across the PHED franchise area, assuring the Governor that the company is working on strategies to improve metering, network upgrade and prompt resolution of customer complaints.
The PHED Board Chairman said the company is also aware of the NERC transfer order and is taking steps to ensure compliance, noting that the establishment of a dedicated subsidiary in Akwa Ibom will enhance operational efficiency and deepen collaboration with the state.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the warm reception and for the state government’s continued investment in the power sector, pledging that PHED will work more closely with the state to achieve its power sector objectives.
With the Governor to receive the visitors were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), Ms. Arit Okon Uya, and other top government functionaries.
