ENO PLEDGES STATE SUPPORT TO REVIVE LONG-DELAYED AKWA IBOM POWER PROJECT

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has pledged the intervention of his administration to facilitate the completion of the National Integrated Power Project transmission line along the Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi axis of the state. The governor gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije, at the Government House in Uyo.

Eno said the state government would work to address some of the challenges delaying the project, particularly those affecting the completion of the 330kV transmission line. He noted that completing the infrastructure would significantly improve electricity supply across Akwa Ibom while also supporting industrial and economic development in the state.

The NDPHC chief executive disclosed that the project, which began about 20 years ago, had faced several setbacks, especially over outstanding wayleave compensation involving communities affected by the transmission line. She appealed to the state government to intervene in resolving the compensation and community-related issues so that construction could proceed and the project be completed.

Adighije commended Governor Eno for his willingness to support the project, describing the intervention as an important boost to efforts to complete the long-delayed transmission infrastructure. She also congratulated the governor on the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission, saying NDPHC was prepared to collaborate with the state in developing an effective electricity market framework.

The completion of the transmission project is expected to strengthen power delivery in Akwa Ibom and contribute to the wider development of Nigeria’s electricity sector. The state government’s intervention is therefore expected to help resolve outstanding community and compensation issues and clear the way for work to resume on infrastructure that could improve access to more reliable electricity for residents and businesses.