National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Power Company in Akwa Ibom State, Meyen Etukudo, has explained the reasons behind the prolonged power outage in the state.
According to him, the blackout, which has persisted for more than ten days, is due to a lack of gas supply and disconnection of the Aba-Itu transmission line.
During a press briefing in Uyo on Thursday, Etukudo detailed the challenges facing Ibom Power. He revealed that the power outage resulted from Savannah Energy’s maintenance work on its gas pipeline, which halted the gas supply to Ibom Power. Without this gas, the Ibom power plant has been unable to generate electricity.
Etukudo further explained that in the absence of gas, Akwa Ibom relies on electricity from the national grid, which is supplied through the Aba-Itu transmission line.
However, this transmission line is old and has been prone to occasional disconnections, exacerbating the power supply issues in the state.
“The gas supplier to Ibom Power, Savannah Energy, is currently performing maintenance on its gas pipeline, which has led to a suspension of gas supply to our power plant.
“Without gas, Ibom Power is down, and Akwa Ibom’s only alternative power source from the national grid comes through the Aba-Itu transmission line. Unfortunately, this line is old and has snapped, leading to a total blackout in the state,” Etukudo said.
He assured the public that efforts are underway to restore power. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has begun repairs on the faulty transmission line, and Ibom Power is awaiting the completion of Savannah Energy’s maintenance work to resume gas supply.
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) is also on standby to distribute power once it becomes available.
Etukudo recommended the reconductoring of the Aba-Itu transmission line, which he described as the only conduit for national grid power into Akwa Ibom.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s power sector operates as a value chain, with distinct roles for gas suppliers, power generation companies, transmission companies, and distribution companies.
Each entity is licensed to perform specific functions, and any attempt to overstep these boundaries would constitute a violation of operational licenses.
“Gas companies provide fuel for power generation companies like Ibom Power, which is solely licensed to generate electricity. TCN transmits the power to distribution companies like PHEDC, which then delivers electricity directly to customers,” he said. “Therefore, Ibom Power cannot repair TCN’s transmission lines, as these belong to TCN.”
