… over 3-day blackout linked to gas supply suspension by Savannah Energy, fault on 132KV transmission line
Oredola Adeola
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dismissed Engr. Meyen Etukudo, Managing Director of Ibom Power Company Ltd, following a three-day power outage in the state, despite the presence of a functional power plant that operates independently of the national grid.
Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government, confirmed the dismissal in a statement available to Advisors Reports on Thursday.
Advisors Reports can confirm that while Nigeria experienced 12 national grid collapses in 2024, Akwa Ibom remained unaffected due to its island mode setup, ensuring consistent power supply within the state.
Meanwhile, Uwah in a statement on Thursday, added that the decision to relieve Mr. Etukudo was “part of the ongoing restructuring exercise” under Governor Eno’s administration to strengthen the state’s power sector and advance its ARISE agenda.
He specified that the termination took effect immediately on November 14, 2024.
“Etukudoh is, therefore, directed to handover to the commissioner, Ministry of Power, who will oversee the company till further notice,” Uwah stated.
Advisors Reports confirmed that the dismissal of Engr. Etukudo may be linked to the statewide power outage stemming from operational issues at Ibom Power, primarily due to a halted gas supply caused by payment disputes.
Checks showed that Savannah Energy, the main gas supplier to the Ibom Power plant, suspended supply over alleged underpayments by the power company.
The situation was exacerbated by a fault on the 132KV Itu-Aba Transmission line on Wednesday, November 13, which transports power to and from the national grid.
This transmission issue, combined with the gas supply cut, has resulted in over three days of power outages across the state.
Before his dismissal, Mr. Etukudo stated on Thursday addressing the situation.
He attributed the power disruption to “the gas supply cut by Savannah Energy over alleged underpayments,” alongside “the fault on the 132KV transmission line.”
Etukudo had reassured the public that management was actively engaging with Savannah Energy to resolve the supply issue and restore power to Akwa Ibom.
