The federal government of Nigeria, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has expressed strong interest in partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government to expand electricity access to rural communities across the state.
A high-level delegation from the REA, led by its Managing Director Abba Aliyu, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Eno at Government House, Uyo, to discuss potential areas of collaboration in the energy sector.
The REA, which is the federal agency responsible for bridging Nigeria’s energy access gap through decentralized and renewable energy solutions, aims to accelerate rural electrification and stimulate inclusive socio-economic growth nationwide.
Governor Umo Eno, while welcoming the delegation, emphasized the vital role of electricity in the successful implementation of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, the state’s economic and development blueprint.
He commended the REA for its proactive engagement and reiterated the state’s commitment to working closely with the agency to improve power supply in underserved areas.
Aliyu, in his presentation, highlighted REA’s mandate and outlined opportunities for synergy in delivering energy-driven development projects.
He pointed to the agency’s ongoing work at the University of Uyo, where a 2.9MW solar hybrid power plant is under construction at the university’s permanent campus on Nwaniba Road.
The initiative is being implemented under the Energising Education Programme Phase III (EEP III), one of REA’s 12 flagship programmes designed to power federal universities and teaching hospitals with sustainable energy.
Aliyu praised Governor Eno’s visionary leadership, noting that the ARISE Agenda aligns well with REA’s national mission of closing the electricity access deficit and promoting renewable energy adoption.
Despite hosting the 191MW Ibom Power Plant, one of Nigeria’s major sub-national power projects, Akwa Ibom still struggles with widespread electricity shortages.
A good number of the state’s estimated 7.2 million residents continue to face unreliable access to power, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Recent efforts by the government to deliver 24-hour electricity across the state have yielded limited success.
In response, many residents and businesses have increasingly turned to solar energy solutions for reliable power.
A notable example is the recent commissioning of a 7.5KW solar power system at a children’s rehabilitation centre in Eket.
The project, funded by concerned Akwa Ibom women in the United States, aims to provide uninterrupted electricity to support the centre’s operations.
Citizens hope the meeting between the state and federal representatives doesn’t only raises optimism but also yields a sustainable partnership to fast-track rural electrification and support economic growth through improved energy access.