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Proposed electricity law’ll guarantee equal access to electricity for Akwa Ibom residents –Udobia
The member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, has reassured that the proposed electricity law being considered in the legislature will ensure fair access to electricity for all residents of Akwa Ibom State, especially in rural and underserved areas once it is passed.
Udobia stated this in an interview with journalists, on Monday, shortly after the public hearing on a bill for a law to make provision for Electricity Generation, transmission, and distribution within and for the residents of Akwa Ibom State, and to establish Akwa Ibom Electricity Regulatory Board organized by the House Committee on Rural Development, Power, Water, and Public Utilities.
Udobia, who is the principal sponsor of the bill that has already passed its second reading, highlighted that the law would enhance development in the state and establish mechanisms for the Akwa Ibom Electricity Regulatory Board to operate transparently and efficiently in overseeing electricity generation and distribution.
In his opening speech, the member representing Ikono State Constituency and Chairman of the Committee on Rural Development, Power, Water, and Public Utilities, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo, stated that Akwa Ibom would soon become a key player in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
He explained that when the bill becomes law, it will empower the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish a State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) to oversee the electricity sector within the state.
While declaring the hearing open, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, who was represented by the deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, emphasized that the law aims to enhance the electricity situation in the state by ensuring the delivery of affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern public electricity access to consumers in Akwa Ibom.
Various stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Ibom Power, Engr. Mayen Etokudoh; the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Sunny James, and representatives of Partner Details Solicitors, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom Electricity Consumers Protection, expressed their readiness to collaborate in improving energy efficiency in the state and ensuring the law benefits the people of Akwa Ibom in the long run.
