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PRESS STATEMENT

*USDMPF COMMENDS GOV. ENO ON IBOM DEEP SEAPORT BREAKTHROUGH, CELEBRATES 3 YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP*

The Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMPF) heartily congratulates His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, on the significant milestone recorded in the actualization of the Ibom Deep Seaport project. This breakthrough followed the successful high-level technical engagement with the Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Group held in Paris, France, on June 5, 2026.

We are particularly encouraged by three key developments that emerged from the engagement. First, the comprehensive review of the Technical Feasibility Report conducted by Worley Parsons confirmed the project’s viability and readiness for the next phase. Second, the Governor’s insistence on establishing clear implementation timelines and measurable milestones has injected a renewed sense of urgency and accountability into the process. Third, the renewed commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders signals a unified resolve toward the delivery of this strategic project. Collectively, these developments are strong indications that the Ibom Deep Seaport is steadily progressing from the conceptual and planning stage to practical, on-ground ex*****on.

The Ibom Deep Seaport remains one of the most ambitious and transformative economic projects in Nigeria’s South-South region. Beyond its immense maritime significance as a deep-water port, the project is poised to unlock vast opportunities across multiple sectors. It will stimulate growth in trade and logistics, accelerate industrialization, generate substantial employment for Akwa Ibom’s youth, and attract significant foreign direct investment. Once operational, it will undoubtedly position Akwa Ibom State as a major gateway for commerce within the Gulf of Guinea and establish the state as a key player in the emerging Blue Economy.

As Governor Umo Eno marks his third anniversary in office on June 6, 2026, the Forum also takes this opportunity to celebrate his remarkable achievements across the critical sectors of the state’s economy. Over the past three years, his administration has delivered tangible results in agriculture, infrastructural expansion, rural development, human capital investment, security enhancement, economic inclusion, and responsive governance. These efforts collectively demonstrate purposeful leadership and a clear, unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for all Akwa Ibom people.

The prevailing atmosphere of peace, unity, and growing investor confidence in the state today stands as a direct testament to the Governor’s inclusive leadership style and his dedication to sustainable development under the ARISE Agenda. By prioritizing dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes, the administration has created an enabling environment for both public and private sector growth.

We commend His Excellency for his vision, resilience, and determination in pursuing legacy projects that will secure long-term prosperity for future generations of Akwa Ibom people. We urge him to remain steadfast as he continues to connect the dots of development across the state and to consolidate on the substantial gains recorded within the last three years.

The Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Governor and partnering with the state government in promoting public awareness of government policies, programmes, and projects. We remain dedicated to objective reportage and constructive engagement, ensuring that landmark initiatives such as the Ibom Deep Seaport deliver maximum benefits to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Once again, we extend our warmest congratulations to His Excellency on this historic breakthrough and on three years of impactful, people-oriented, and visionary leadership.

Signed,

*Elder Amb. Emmanuel Ndon*
Executive Chairman

*Comrade Itorobong Umoh*
Secretary

For and on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire membership of the Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum.

June 6, 2026

STABLE POWER SUPPLY: GOV ENO INAUGURATES ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has mandated the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, AKSERC, to overhaul the state’s power sector within 18 months, in order to meet public demand and drive economic growth through reliable electricity supply.

Governor Eno gave the charge, Thursday June 4, 2026, during the inauguration of a 5-member board for AKSERC at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

"As a listening Government, we feel the pain our people are going through with inadequate supply of electricity; and, we have taken concrete steps to address the issue," the Governor said.

He disclosed that since adopting the Akwa Ibom Electricity Sector Reform Programme at the September 2025 Electricity summit, the state has followed a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving energy security, industrial expansion and sustainable economic development.

He assured that in no distance time "the problem of electricity in our state will be addressed to the best of our capacity and our people will enjoy uninterrupted electricity."

According to the Governor, "the establishment of AKSERC and the appointment of its pioneer Commissioners represent major milestones in that journey. They demonstrate our resolve to build a modern, competitive and efficiently regulated electricity market that will serve the needs of our people and attract investment into the sector."

He expressed confidence in the rigour and integrity of the process that produced members of the AKSERC, stressing that "the Commissioners emerged through a structured, transparent and merit-based process, not by chance, convenience or personal discretion. Their appointment reflects our commitment to competence, professionalism and institutional excellence and the credibility of the process that brought them to office."

The Governor who outlined the essence of AKSERC, said the commission will be the sole regulator of the power sector in the state.

"AKSERC is the sole regulator of all electricity business conducted between buyers and sellers within Akwa Ibom State.

"The mandate of the commission covers the regulation of electricity market activities, operators, transactions and services in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electricity Act, 2023, and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025. This responsibility places the Commission at the centre of our electricity transformation agenda."

He directed the Commission to work constructively with relevant Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies to secure the transfer of the full extent of Akwa Ibom State’s electricity regulatory powers.

The State Chief Executive equally charged them to engage with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company ( PHEDC) and other stakeholders towards the establishment of a State electricity distribution company in a manner that is fair, transparent and commercially credible," he added.

The Governor mandated the Commission to also produce a programme tracker that fully covers the Commission’s operationalisation plan and its approved budget "to enable us monitor progress in the delivery of its various plans and programmes."

He reiterated that with the inauguration of AKSERC, the Government is positioning the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market as a credible and competitive component of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

"Our objective is to create an environment where operators, investors and licensees are incentivised to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity while protecting consumer interests and promoting economic growth," he said.

The State Chief Executive appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying, "this milestone has been made possible by the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the power sector, particularly the Electricity Act, 2023, which has empowered states to assume greater responsibility for electricity regulation and market development.

He also appreciated the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and the Members for their unwavering support, especially the passage of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law, 2025, confirmation of the Commissioners and continued partnership, which he said have been instrumental to the success recorded in the determination to provide stable electricity.

Inaugurating the five-man electricity Commission, the Governor pronounced Mrs. Arit Uya as Chairperson/Chief Executive and Commissioner for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs, with Dr. Kalu Ukoha serving as Vice Chairman and Commissioner for Policy, Planning and Innovation.

He noted that Engr. Ubong Etukudoh will serve as Commissioner, Engineering Services; Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Obot to serve as Commissioner, Finance and Corporate Support; and Mr. Paul Okon as Commissioner in charge of Economic Regulation.

"Together, I charge you to deliver on our promise of regular electricity for the people of Akwa Ibom State within the next eighteen months," he said.

Governor Eno further assured that beyond the establishment of the Commission, the Government has undertaken critical institutional reforms to strengthen the foundation of the State’s electricity market.

"We have incorporated Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL) as the strategic vehicle for managing State electricity assets and investments.

We have also commenced the regularisation of Akwa Ibom State’s shareholding interests in 4Power Consortium Limited and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company as a precursor to the establishment of a dedicated Akwa Ibom State electricity distribution subsidiary," he said.

He emphasized that these actions are designed to place the State in a stronger position to drive investment, improve service delivery and create a sustainable electricity ecosystem.

Giving her commitment to effective job delivery on their assignment, Mrs. Arit Uya, pledged to work hard to fulfill the expectations of the Government and the people of Akwa Ibom State by ensuring professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork and results.

She appreciated the Governor for the confidence he reposed in them as well as his remarkable support towards the accomplishment of their assigned duties.

Akwa Ibom Opens New Chapter in Quest for Electricity Sufficiency

By | Destiny Young

Akwa Ibom State has opened a new chapter in its drive towards electricity sufficiency with the inauguration of the Board of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission by Governor Umo Eno.

The inauguration marks a major step in the State’s plan to build a reliable, affordable and inclusive electricity market. It also signals the beginning of a stronger regulatory structure that will allow Akwa Ibom to take greater control of electricity planning, regulation and service delivery within the State.

For years, unreliable electricity has remained one of the major barriers to industrial growth, small business development and household comfort across Nigeria. Akwa Ibom has not been spared from this challenge. Despite its gas resources, generation assets and industrial potential, many homes, businesses and communities still depend on unstable grid supply and costly self-generation.

Governor Eno’s administration is now seeking to change that narrative.

The Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy provides the foundation for this new direction. It sets out the State’s ambition to achieve reliable, affordable and universal access to electricity. It also seeks to reduce dependence on self-generation, expand power access to underserved communities, support industry and make electricity a driver of economic development.

The inauguration of the Board gives life to that policy vision.

The Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission is expected to regulate the State electricity market, protect consumers, promote fair pricing, improve service quality and create confidence for private-sector participation in the power sector.

This is important because Akwa Ibom already has assets that can support a stronger electricity market. The State has generation capacity through Ibom Power Company and other critical electricity infrastructure. However, the main challenge has remained how to organise the market, improve distribution, attract investment and deliver power efficiently to homes, businesses, public institutions and industrial users.

Under the new electricity reform direction, Akwa Ibom is expected to pursue a more decentralised and practical power model. This means that electricity planning will be closer to the needs of communities, businesses and institutions.

Underserved communities can be identified. Their energy needs can be mapped. The most cost-effective solutions can then be deployed, including mini-grids, embedded generation, solar systems and targeted distribution upgrades.

For rural and riverine communities, this could mean better access to power where the national grid remains weak or uneconomical. For industrial areas, it could mean dedicated power arrangements that lower production costs and improve competitiveness. For urban centres, it could mean better metering, improved customer service and stronger distribution management.

The reform also places strong emphasis on consumer protection. The Commission is expected to support rules that promote accurate billing, fair tariffs, quality service delivery, safety, complaint resolution and transparency in the electricity market.

This consumer focus is important. Electricity reform will only succeed when residents see practical improvements in their daily lives. They need better supply. They need clearer bills. They need faster response to complaints. They need safer connections. They need less dependence on petrol and diesel generators.

The economic impact could be significant.

For small businesses, stable electricity can reduce operating costs. For hospitals, it can improve service delivery. For schools, it can support digital learning. For farmers and agro-processors, it can power storage and processing. For manufacturers, it can improve productivity. For households, it can improve comfort and quality of life.

Electricity is not a stand-alone sector. It supports almost every other sector.

That is why the State’s electricity reform aligns with the ARISE Agenda, especially in the areas of infrastructure, rural development, industrialisation, job creation and private-sector growth.

The State’s policy direction also recognises the role of natural gas and renewable energy. Akwa Ibom has gas resources that can support power generation and energy security. At the same time, renewable energy can help extend supply to communities and locations where conventional grid expansion may be slow or costly.

This gives the State a balanced pathway. Akwa Ibom can use its gas advantage to strengthen electricity supply while also supporting solar and other renewable options where they are suitable.

The Board of the Commission therefore begins work at a critical time. Its responsibility goes beyond regulation on paper. It must help build public trust. It must support clear rules. It must attract credible investors. It must protect consumers. It must ensure that the reform serves the people and supports the State’s long-term development.

The journey to electricity sufficiency will require discipline, investment and coordination. It will require cooperation between the State Government, the Commission, Ibom Power, distribution operators, investors, local governments, communities, federal agencies and consumers.

But the direction is now clear.

With the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission Board, Governor Umo Eno has moved the State closer to a future where electricity becomes a tool for growth, productivity and improved living standards.

Akwa Ibom has the resources. It has the policy. It now has a regulatory institution to drive the process.

The task ahead is to turn potential into performance.

For the people of Akwa Ibom, this is the beginning of a new chapter in the quest for reliable, affordable and sufficient electricity.

THE COURAGE TO PRIORITISE: WHY GOV ENO IS RIGHT ON THE SCIENCE PARK

By Richard Okon

When Governor Umo Eno recently declared that his administration would not commit state resources to completing the long-abandoned Science Park project, many expected the familiar political response. After all, politicians are often rewarded for saying what people want to hear, not necessarily what they need to hear.

Gov Eno chose a different path.

Rather than making promises he may not be able to keep, he spoke with unusual candour. The Science Park, he said, is not among the State's immediate priorities. If private investors are willing to take it up, government would gladly support such an initiative, but scarce public resources must presently be directed elsewhere.

That statement may not satisfy everyone. It is, however, one of the most honest assessments of governance that Akwa Ibom people have heard in recent times.

The question before us is not whether a Science Park is desirable. Of course it is. The real question is whether the government can responsibly pursue every desirable project at the same time.

The answer is obvious.

Every government operates under finite resources and unlimited expectations. Leadership therefore becomes an exercise in choice. Every naira allocated to one project is a naira unavailable for another. Economists describe this as opportunity cost; citizens simply experience it as prioritisation.

As someone who studied economics, I recall that opportunity cost was one of the foundational concepts taught in both micro and macroeconomics. It is therefore impossible for me not to recognise its clear and practical application in Governor Eno’s current approach to governance.

This is precisely where Gov Eno's position deserves a fair hearing.

Ironically, the Governor is making this decision while presiding over what may be the most ambitious programme of project continuity in the State's history. Hence, he has earned the right to speak on abandoned projects.

Across Nigeria, abandoned projects have become symbols of political transition. Successive administrations routinely discard the priorities of their predecessors, leaving taxpayers to bear the cost of incomplete investments.

The Science Park itself became a casualty of that culture.

Gov Eno has chosen a different approach.

Instead of abandoning inherited projects, he has continued and expanded many of them. Today, work is completed on the Smart International Terminal Building and associated airport infrastructure VAIA, attracting full status of an Internal Airport. The 200-room International Hotel, the 5,000-capacity International Conference Centre, and the Shopping City within the Tropicana complex are all receiving attention. The State is aggressively pursuing the Ibom Deep Seaport project, arguably the single most transformative economic infrastructure on the horizon.

Beyond these are dozens of inherited projects across the State that have continued to receive funding and attention under this administration. Roads, bridges and public infrastructure that could easily have been abandoned for political reasons are instead being completed for the benefit of the people.

This commitment to continuity is significant because development is not measured by the number of projects announced; it is measured by the number completed.

At the same time, the State is investing heavily in healthcare, security, tourism, maritime development and transportation infrastructure.

The ongoing 350-bed International Hospital, the doctors' residential quarters, the Oron Maritime Hub, shoreline protection projects, waterways security infrastructure, the Command and Control Centre, and several strategic government facilities are all competing for the same public resources.

Tourism infrastructure is also receiving unprecedented attention through the remodelling of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort and the development of the Arise Park Resort, a world-class leisure destination rising from what was once a dangerous ravine.

These are not proposals on paper. They are active projects demanding funding today.

Against this backdrop, Gov Eno's position becomes less controversial and more practical.

A Science Park may indeed be valuable, but is it more urgent than a deep seaport capable of transforming the State's economic fortunes? Is it more strategic than strengthening the international airport and its supporting infrastructure? Is it more critical than expanding healthcare access through primary healthcare facilities across the 31 LGA's and a world-class international specialist hospital in the horizon? What about renewed investment in stable and reliable power supply which the governor recently announced, should all these be abandoned for a Science Park? Is it more urgent than modern security architecture, waterways protection, and investments aimed at safeguarding lives and property? How low is the fruit from the Science Park, can a market woman benefit from it directly? What about our farmers, civil servants, and even retirees whose gratuities backlog the Governor is determined to clear? And where does it stand against roads, bridges, tourism assets, and other low-hanging economic fruits already creating jobs and attracting investment across the State?

These are not easy choices, but they are the choices leadership demands. Government cannot fund everything at once. The real challenge is determining which investments must come first and which can responsibly wait.

More importantly, the Governor is not rejecting innovation or youth development. He is simply pursuing them differently.

Through the proposed Youth Development Centres across the 31 local government areas, the administration is taking digital skills, ICT training, creative enterprise and innovation directly to communities. This approach reflects an understanding that the nature of technology has changed dramatically over the last two decades.

When the Science Park concept first emerged, innovation was largely centralised. People travelled to specific locations to access technology, training and opportunities.

That world no longer exists.

Today, innovation is increasingly decentralised. A young person in Uruan, Mbo, Ini or Obot Akara can learn coding, design, animation, artificial intelligence or digital entrepreneurship from anywhere with the right tools and connectivity.

One Science Park creates a destination.

Thirty-one Youth Development Centres create access.

Seen from this perspective, Gov Eno's position is not a rejection of the future. It is a recognition that the future has changed.

Ultimately, what stands out in this debate is not the Science Park itself but the character of the leader making the decision.

Gov Eno has developed a reputation for speaking plainly, even when the truth may be politically inconvenient. He does not pretend that resources are unlimited. He does not promise every project to every constituency. He says what he believes, explains his reasoning and accepts the public scrutiny that follows.

In a political environment often crowded with grand declarations and unrealistic promises, that level of honesty is refreshing.

The Science Park remains a worthy vision. Perhaps one day, with private-sector participation and a stronger fiscal environment, that vision will be realised.

For now, however, the Governor has chosen to focus on completing critical economic infrastructure already on the table.

Reasonable people may disagree on where priorities should lie. What is difficult to dispute is the logic behind the choice.

Sometimes leadership is not about saying yes to everything.

Sometimes leadership is having the courage to say, "Not now."

Senator Aniekan Bassey, Ph.D., representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, has extended warm birthday wishes to Hon. Usenobong Akpabio, celebrating his life of service, wisdom, and dedication.

In his goodwill message, the Senator noted that the celebrant's commitment and exemplary leadership continue to inspire many. He prayed for greater strength, fulfillment, and abundant blessings as he begins a new chapter of life.

"Happy Birthday, my brother," Senator Bassey stated.

AKHA RECEIVES 12 EXECUTIVE BILLS ON GOVERNANCE, REVENUE, HEALTH AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

By Edikan David

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has received twelve executive bills from the state government, covering a broad sweep of governance priorities that span revenue administration, healthcare delivery, justice, tourism, skills development, land management and public sector accountability.

The bills, transmitted to the legislature on June 3, 2026, signal a determined legislative push by the executive arm to institutionalise reforms across critical sectors of the state's public life and economic architecture.

Leading the package is the Akwa Ibom State Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency Bill, which seeks to establish a regulatory framework for betting and lottery operations in the state with a view to formalising the sector and strengthening revenue generation. Complementing it is the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service Bill, designed to overhaul internal revenue collection, administration and accountability, and the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board Bill, which targets fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources.

On the justice and welfare front, the Office of the Public Defender Bill proposes the establishment of an institution to provide legal representation and support for indigent citizens who cannot afford access to legal services. The Akwa Ibom State Senior Citizens Agency Bill also makes its way to the assembly, aiming to promote the welfare, care and protection of elderly persons in the state.

Healthcare delivery features prominently in the legislative agenda. The Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System Agency Bill seeks to create a coordinated emergency medical response structure, while the Akwa Ibom State Hospital Management Board Amendment Bill proposes reforms to strengthen the administration and management of public hospitals across the state.

The Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Development Commission Bill, if passed, would regulate, promote and attract investments into the state's hospitality and tourism sector, a move observers say is consistent with the state government's economic diversification agenda. The Ibom Broadcasting Corporation Bill, also included in the package, is aimed at strengthening the operations and mandate of government-owned broadcasting services.

Youth empowerment and skills development are addressed through the DAKADDA Skills Acquisition Centre Bill, which proposes a legal framework to anchor vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes targeting unemployed youth in the state.

Rounding out the package are the Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information Services Bill, which seeks to modernise land administration and geospatial data management through digital mapping, and the Akwa Ibom State Public Procurement Regulations Agency Bill, designed to promote transparency, accountability and efficiency in the award and management of public contracts.

Stakeholders and legislative observers are expected to monitor the progress of the bills through public hearings and committee reviews before their eventual consideration for passage into law.