NERC approves electricity distribution license for Akwa Ibom State

Ini Billie, Uyo
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved electricity distribution license for Akwa Ibom State.

NERC approved the application from Ibom Utility company to operate an independent electricity distribution network licence to enable the company distribute electricity in selected locations in the state.

The announcement was made by NERC on its Twitter page after the Akwa 𝗜bom State Government delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Commissioner For Power, Mr John James and the Managing Director of Ibom Power, Engr. Mayen Etukudo for the approval presentation.

NERC also approved the application for an amendment of the on-grid electricity generating licence to enable Ibom Power Company Ltd embed into the distribution network of Ibom Utility Company Limited.

The license is in response to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s desire to checkmate the challenge of poor electricity distribution despite investment by the state government in the power sector.

The investment of the state government so far in the power sector include a newly built 33/11KV, 2 X 15MVA injection sub-station in Uyo, the state capital. A 33/11KV, 2 X 15MVA substation to provide dedicated grid power supply to the state owned Victor Attah International Airport with a dedicated 33kv line from Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre.

The commissioning of a 132/33KV, 1 x 60MVA transformer at Afaha Ube in Uyo which increased the state’s available power for distribution from 96megawatts to 144megawatts.

Others are a 132/33KV, 2 x 60MVA transmission substation at Ekim in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, and another 132/33KV, 1 x 60MVA Ekim substation commissioned by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

The substation, which receives power from the state owned Ibom Power Plant, has 33kv dedicated lines to Onna industrial hub, where Jubilee Syringe factory, King Flour Mills, Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services and the Plywood industry are located.

It also provides steady power supply to Akwa Ibom State University and the five local government areas of Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo and Oruk Anam.

The Akwa Ibom state government has also secured a 30MVA transformer for the proposed construction of the Ikot Abasi substation.