Akwa Ibom, REA Sign MoU to Advance Rural Electrification, Renewable Energy Projects

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared that the era of energy insecurity in the state is over, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to accelerate rural electrification and renewable energy initiatives.

Speaking at a roundtable with REA officials in Uyo on Wednesday, Governor Eno said his administration is shifting from policy formulation to full-scale implementation of electricity solutions aimed at transforming lives and powering industries across the state.

“We have moved from aspiration to legal and institutional foundation. Today, we pivot to implementation and delivery,” he stated.

Over the past year, Akwa Ibom has rolled out key frameworks including the State Electricity Policy (2024), the Electricity Law (2025), and regulatory structures that provide a foundation for power sector reforms. According to the governor, electricity is central to the state’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture, industry, healthcare, education, digital innovation, women-led enterprises, and job creation.

Eno assured investors of the government’s commitment to providing land, fast-tracking permits, clarifying regulations, and facilitating financing. He called on Rural Electrification Service Companies (RESCOs) and private partners to transition from planning to actual project execution within the next 15 to 18 months.

Highlighting the state’s energy mix, he noted that Akwa Ibom would leverage natural gas and small hydro resources while integrating renewable energy solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, described the agreement as a “critical milestone” in achieving universal electricity access, stressing the importance of off-grid deployment for unserved and underserved communities.

Managing Director of REA, Aliyu Baba, praised Governor Eno’s commitment to rural development, noting that the ARISE Agenda complements the federal government’s national electrification programme. He pledged REA’s support in attracting private investment and ensuring affordable power for rural populations.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Power, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson Etebe, identified renewable energy opportunities in solar, hydro, and gas-to-power projects, assuring stakeholders of a conducive environment for sustainable investments.

The event featured a demonstration of the REA Community Mapping Tool by the Technical Adviser of the Nigerian Electrification Programme (NEP) and culminated in the formal signing of the MoU.

Governor Eno was accompanied by Deputy Governor Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Delivery Adviser Aniefiok Johnson, the Attorney-General, and key commissioners.