Akwa Ibom State has taken a major step toward ending energy insecurity with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand renewable energy and rural electrification projects.
Gatekeepers News reports that the agreement was formalized during a strategic roundtable held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed that electricity is central to the state’s development vision, declaring:
“We have moved from aspiration to legal and institutional foundation. Today, we pivot to implementation and delivery. Electricity is the key driver of our purpose to ensure that every Akwa Ibomite, in every corner of this State, can live with dignity and opportunity in the 21st century.”
He noted that over the past year, the state had introduced the State Electricity Policy (2024), enacted the Electricity Law (2025), and established regulatory frameworks to back implementation. These steps, he said, provide a solid legal foundation for projects aligned with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, digital hubs, women-led enterprises, and job creation.
The governor assured investors of government support through land provision, expedited permits, regulatory clarity, and financing facilitation. He urged renewable energy service companies (RESCOs) and private sector partners to move from planning to project execution within 15–18 months.
Eno also revealed that the state will combine renewable energy solutions with natural gas and small hydro resources to ensure a sustainable energy transition.
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi described the roundtable as a “critical milestone” toward universal electricity access, stressing the importance of off-grid solutions for underserved communities.
REA Managing Director Aliyu Baba praised the governor’s commitment to rural development, saying the ARISE Agenda aligns with the national electrification programme. He pledged continued collaboration with states to attract private investment and deliver affordable power to rural populations.
Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Robson Etebe, highlighted renewable energy opportunities in solar, hydro, and gas-to-power, noting that Akwa Ibom has created a conducive environment for sustainable energy projects.
The roundtable also featured a demonstration of the REA Community Mapping Tool and concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, witnessed by senior government officials, including Deputy Governor Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, the Attorney General, commissioners, and special advisers.
