Akwa Ibom Debunks Ibom Power Sale Rumours
The Akwa Ibom State government has dismissed reports that it plans to sell the Ibom Power Company, describing the claim as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Uyo, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the administration of Umo Eno has no intention of selling the state-owned power plant.
The government said the report, published by a local tabloid, was a fabrication meant to mislead the public and undermine ongoing reforms in the power sector.
Instead of selling the company, officials said the state is focused on stabilising operations, including repaying a $9 million loan obtained from Afreximbank. A structured repayment plan is already in place to gradually clear the debt.
Authorities also disclosed plans to strengthen the electricity sector through private sector participation, aimed at attracting investment and improving efficiency—while still maintaining full government ownership of assets.
The government acknowledged ongoing power outages in parts of the state but noted that transmission and distribution challenges are largely beyond its direct control, adding that efforts are ongoing to improve supply.
