Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has urged Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) to strengthen collaboration with the state government to guarantee reliable electricity supply, emphasizing its critical role in advancing the ARISE Agenda. The call came during a Friday meeting at Government House, Uyo, where Eno received PHED’s Board and management. He stated that stable power is essential for leveraging the state’s gas resources, generation capacity, and industrial potential to attract investments and drive growth. Eno also directed PHED to align its operations with the state’s electricity policy, which includes a regulatory framework established by the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).
The Governor highlighted the significance of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) August 18, 2026, Order No. NERC/2026/087, which transferred regulatory oversight of Akwa Ibom’s intrastate electricity market to AKSERC under Section 230 of the Electricity Act, 2023. He reiterated the state’s commitment to fostering a transparent and predictable energy market, stating that the regulatory commission would set clear expectations for investment and operational standards. Eno also pressed PHED to comply with the transfer order, which mandates the incorporation of an Akwa Ibom Distribution Company (Disco) to enhance service delivery.
PHED Board Chairman Olive Kemenanabo commended Eno’s leadership, calling it “visionary” for prioritizing electricity as a catalyst for economic growth. During the meeting, Kemenanabo affirmed the company’s dedication to improving power supply in the state, noting that the visit to Uyo marked the first time PHED’s Board convened outside its Port Harcourt headquarters. The Governor was accompanied by Secretary to the State Government Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant Aniefiok Johnson, and AKSERC Chairman/CEO Arit Okon Uya, underscoring the multi-stakeholder approach to addressing energy challenges.
The push for collaboration follows years of persistent power outages in Akwa Ibom, which have hindered industrial activity and deterred investors. Eno’s administration has positioned reliable electricity as a cornerstone of its development strategy, citing the state’s potential to become a regional energy hub. With the regulatory shift to AKSERC, the focus now shifts to how PHED and the state will implement the new framework to resolve systemic inefficiencies and meet the growing demand for power in the region.