Akwa Ibom Sets To Establish Electricity Regulatory Commission, Concession Power Plant

Akwa Ibom sets to establish electricity regulatory commission, concession power plant. Mr Robson said the development was part of efforts to improve electricity supply across the state.

News Agency of Nigeria • February 14, 2026
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom government says it has commenced the process of establishing the State’s Electricity Regulatory Commission as well as concessioning of the Ibom Power Plant.

Iniobong Robson, the state’s commissioner for power, disclosed this on Saturday in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Robson explained that the development was part of efforts to improve electricity supply across the state.

He also said that the development followed the signing of the amended Electricity Act by President Bola Tinubu, which empowered states to generate, distribute and regulate electricity within their jurisdictions.

According to him, the amended version of the electricity Act 2023 which has just been signed by the president, now empowers states to take charge of both generation and distribution of electricity.

He added that the state government was taking advantage of the new legal framework to assume greater control over its power sector and address persistent electricity challenges.

He revealed that within the shortest possible time, the state government would constitute a seven-member Electricity Regulatory Commission comprising five commissioners and two principal officers.

The commissioner also revealed that members of the commission would be selected based on professional competence, technical expertise and integrity to ensure effective regulation of the state’s electricity market.

Mr Robson noted that the state was strategically positioned to drive power sector reform, citing its vast gas reserves and the existing Ibom power plant as critical assets.

“The state-owned power plant will be revitalised through concession to a technically and financially capable operator to enhance efficiency and increase generation capacity.

“The goal is to ensure full commercial operations and improve service delivery to residents,” he said.

He added that within six months of establishing the commission, regulatory oversight of electricity distribution within the state would begin transitioning from the federal regulator to the state authority.

According to him, this is in line with the provisions of the amended law.

Electricity Regulatory Commission

He explained that while transmission of electricity would remain under federal control, the state could generate surplus power for export to other states through the national grid.

The commissioner acknowledged complaints from residents in some parts of the state over poor electricity supply, assuring that reforms were designed to address infrastructure deficiencies and improve service delivery.

He also said that the state government had developed a 10-year roadmap for the power sector, which include infrastructure upgrades, technical reviews and stakeholder engagement.

Mr Robson expressed optimism that the reforms would position Akwa Ibom to achieve stable and reliable electricity supply in the long term.

EFCC-Linked Case: Facebook Commentator Arrested for Alleged False Claims

Michael Itok, a Facebook user known for his controversial online commentary, has been arrested by security authorities over alleged misinformation and defamatory publications.
According to sources, Itok is currently in custody at the Force Headquarters and is expected to be arraigned on multiple charges linked to recent posts made on his Facebook page.
His arrest follows a series of online publications concerning Victor Thompson, who was recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, on allegations of defrauding American investors of over $525,000 in what the Commission described as a fraudulent mineral and seaport investment scheme. The EFCC had, in a statement published on its official Facebook page on February 2, 2026, disclosed that Thompson was arraigned on an eight-count charge.
In response to the EFCC’s action, Itok allegedly posted claims suggesting that Thompson’s arrest was motivated by personal issues unrelated to the fraud allegations. Authorities, however, consider those claims to be false and capable of misleading the public, particularly as investigations into the fraud case are ongoing.
Investigators maintain that the charges against Thompson relate strictly to alleged financial crimes involving foreign investors. Individuals mentioned in Itok’s posts have denied the claims attributed to them, describing the narrative as fabricated and damaging.
Security sources further indicated that Itok’s recent publications were not limited to the Thompson matter. He reportedly authored additional posts targeting other public figures in Akwa Ibom State, which authorities are reviewing as part of a broader investigation into alleged cyber defamation and blackmail.
Records show that Itok was previously arrested in October 2019 by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamatory publications against the then-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel. Media reports at the time indicated that he was detained for over 60 days before being granted bail in December 2019 by an Akwa Ibom State High Court in the sum of N500,000.
With the current arrest, authorities say the case underscores renewed efforts by law enforcement agencies to address online misinformation, cyber harassment and related offences under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been advised to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims, especially in matters involving ongoing criminal investigations.

How Governor Eno’s Ambulance Service Saved Life In Akwa Ibom Community

How Governor Eno’s ambulance service saved life in Akwa Ibom community. Just few minutes ago along Udo Udoma Avenue, by the Aka Junction in Uyo, a young lady reportedly slumped while attempting to cross the road. What could have ended in tragedy.

A single call was placed to the state’s emergency ambulance service, and within minutes, the response team was already on ground, providing immediate medical attention.

This swift intervention underscores the impacts of Governor Umo Eno’s visionary leadership. It shows the value placed on human life by the current administration.

Ambulance

Such prompt response is not only commendable but also a demonstration of the current administration’s commitment to implementing impactful programmes through the ARISE Agenda.

May God continue to bless and strengthen our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno as he continue to lead with compassion, foresight, and genuine concern for the people.