..... Commissioner says appointments based on merit
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has dismissed as misleading and unfounded, an open letter questioning the composition of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), insisting that the appointments were based on merit, professional competence and extensive experience in electricity regulation, engineering, energy economics and public sector governance.
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| Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information |
The Commissioner also cautioned against persistent negativism by individuals who, according to him, appear determined to see nothing good in the sincere efforts of government to reform and transform the state’s power sector.
In a release in response to an open letter addressed to Governor Umo Eno by Mr. Collins Ette Jackson, Umanah said claims regarding the alleged lack of statutory and technical competence within AKSERC were based on a selective interpretation of the law and a poor understanding of the professional qualifications of the Commission’s members.
According to him, the establishment and inauguration of AKSERC by Governor Umo Eno represent a major milestone in the implementation of the state’s electricity reform agenda following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 and the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law 2025.
He noted that the reforms are aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom to assume greater regulatory control over its electricity market, attract private investment, improve power supply, strengthen electricity governance and accelerate economic development across the state.
Umanah further highlighted key milestones already achieved to include the enactment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Law 2025, the successful hosting of the First Akwa Ibom Electricity Summit in 2025, the strengthening of institutional frameworks for electricity governance, the advancement of state-level regulatory structures and improved engagement with critical industry stakeholders.
According to the Commissioner, the reforms are expected to stimulate private sector participation in electricity generation, distribution and embedded power projects while improving the performance of strategic energy assets such as the Ibom Power Plant.
Umanah further clarified that AKSERC was deliberately designed as a multidisciplinary regulatory institution and would, upon full operationalisation, function through specialised departments headed by qualified directors responsible for licensing, technical regulation, market operations, consumer protection, compliance monitoring and economic regulation.
“This structure is consistent with global best practices where commissioners provide strategic oversight and policy direction, while technical and administrative functions are handled by specialised professionals,” he stated.
Defending the qualifications of the Commission’s Chairperson, Ms. Arit Uya, Umanah described her as a seasoned regulatory governance expert with more than two decades of experience, including substantive service within the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
He noted that her experience spans electricity sector regulation, consumer protection, regulatory compliance, stakeholder management and institutional development within Nigeria’s electricity governance ecosystem.
The Commissioner also pointed to the credentials of Dr. Kalu Ukoha, describing him as one of Africa’s leading electricity sector reform experts with over 28 years of experience advising governments and institutions across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and The Gambia.
According to him, Dr. Ukoha’s work in electricity market restructuring, policy development and infrastructure advisory places him among the continent’s foremost power sector reform specialists.
Similarly, Umanah noted that Mr. Paul Okon possesses extensive expertise in electricity market economics, regulatory affairs and energy governance, backed by academic qualifications in Statistics, Business Administration and Energy Studies, as well as over a decade of experience within Nigeria’s electricity industry.
He also highlighted the role of Dr. Valerie Obot, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, whose contributions to electricity sector reforms and institutional development in Akwa Ibom State have spanned several years.
On technical competence, the Commissioner emphasised that Engr. Ubong Etukudoh, a COREN-certified engineer, brings significant experience from both electricity regulation and power generation operations, having served within NERC and the power generation sector.
Responding specifically to claims that the Commission does not satisfy the requirements of Section 34 of the Electricity Act 2023, Umanah maintained that the law requires a blend of expertise in electricity regulation, engineering, economics, finance, law and related disciplines rather than limiting appointments to any single professional category.
“The Commission clearly reflects the multidisciplinary structure contemplated by the law. Regulatory institutions around the world are intentionally composed of professionals from diverse but complementary fields. AKSERC is no exception,” he said.
The Commissioner therefore described suggestions that the Commission was improperly constituted as speculative, misleading and unsupported by the facts.
He urged members of the public to support ongoing reforms designed to improve electricity access, attract investment and create a more efficient power sector for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.
While reaffirming government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Umanah cautioned against attempts to undermine strategic institutions through misinformation and urged commentators to ensure that public discourse is guided by facts, professional realities and a proper understanding of the law.
“The administration of Governor Umo Eno remains committed to building a modern, efficient and sustainable electricity sector that will power economic growth, attract investment and improve the quality of life of citizens across Akwa Ibom State,” Umanah concluded.
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