Energy commission urges states to establish power plants

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has urged states to establish power plants, saying it is an avenue to create prosperity for the people.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Eli Jidere Bala stated this in Uyo after a tour of Ibom Power Plant with some members of the management team of the commission in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

Prof Bala, who said Ibom Power Company supports the desire of the federal government to meet the electricity needs of the country, stated that the plant was a model for other states to emulate.

He said the venture would create employment opportunities for the people.

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While commending the establishment of Ibom Power Company by the Akwa Ibom State government, the DG expressed delight that the people manning the plant are all Nigerians.

He stated that the local and indigenous capacity seen in Ibom Power Company was good, adding that there was room for expansion in phase two of the project.

He called for a freer market so that available power could be sold.

While speaking, Manager, Ibom Power Plant, Mr Aniefiok Sunday said the plant had been operating in the past 10 years without any fatality.

He, however, stated that generating power without being able to distribute the power was a problem, adding that it was affecting the smooth operations of the plant.

The Administration Manager of Ibom Power Company, Ms Imaobong Akpabio, who represented the Managing Director, Engr. Mayen Etukudoh expressed delight for the visit and hoped that the challenges raised by the company would have been tackled before the next visit of the ECN team.