Power Crisis in Akwa Ibom as Prolonged Outage Threatens Economy
A prolonged power outage in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has been lingering for over ten days, crippling economic activities and forcing small-scale businesses to close. According to Meyen Etukudo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Power Company, the blackout is due to a lack of gas supply and the disconnection of the Aba-Itu transmission line.
In an exclusive interview, Etukudo stated that the gas supplier to Ibom Power, Savannah Energy, is currently undergoing maintenance on its gas pipeline, leaving no option but to shut down power generation. He explained that when power from Ibom Power is down, Akwa Ibom State only receives supply from the national grid through the aged Aba-Itu transmission line, which periodically snaps.
The combined effect has led to a power outage in the state for over a week, with Etukudo assuring that efforts are being made to restore power. The Ibom Power Company is waiting for Savannah Energy to complete its maintenance and restore gas supply, while the Transmission Company of Nigeria is working on the affected transmission line. When complete, the transmission company is expected to repair the line and allow power from the national grid to flow to the affected regions.
However, Etukudo noted that Ibom Power Company is in support of the reconductoring of the old transmission line between Aba-Itu, as this line remains the only source of power supply to the state. He highlighted that the company values chain in the Nigerian power sector plays a crucial role in maintaining a supply-chain. Different companies, such as power generation companies, transmission companies, and distribution companies, all have specific roles, and cross-industry meddling would contradict their operating licenses.
For now, many residents in Akwa Ibom State are left waiting patiently for an end to the power outage. The Ibom Power Company and its stakeholders remain steadfast in their efforts to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible.
