The recent surge in fuel prices and a prolonged power outage are taking a heavy toll on residents and business owners in Akwa Ibom State, with livelihoods and socio-economic activities at a standstill.
NEWSMEN reports that residents, already struggling with the skyrocketing fuel price of N1,300 per litre, have been hit with a blackout that has persisted for nearly three weeks, crippling businesses across the oil-rich state.
Tricycle fares have doubled, cold sachet water prices have increased from N50 to N100 for two sachets, and photocopying services that previously cost N50 per page now go for N100.
Chimaobi, a resident of Afaha Ube in Uyo who sells ice blocks, described how his business has ground to a halt due to the outage. “For over two weeks now, I have not done anything because of this issue of light. I can’t buy fuel at N1,250 or N1,300 to power my generator, because at the end of the day, I’ll run at a loss,” he said.
Households are also affected, particularly women who rely on electricity to cook and preserve food. Many reported being unable to prepare meals in large quantities for refrigeration.
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHDC) attributed the blackout to a line fault on the Aba-Itu 132kV transmission line. The company assured residents that power restoration efforts are underway, urging patience.
Akwa Ibom receives electricity from three sources: the national grid via the Aba-Itu 132kV line, the Itu–Adiabo (Calabar) transmission line, and the state-owned Ibom Power Plant. An insider at Ibom Power explained that the Itu–Adiabo line was vandalised several years ago, leaving the aging Aba–Itu line as the main source of grid power, alongside Ibom Power generation.
The source added that the Aba–Itu line requires reconductoring due to its limited capacity, but repairs cannot start until the Itu–Adiabo line is rehabilitated to ensure the state retains at least one source of grid electricity. A proposed short-term solution involves Ibom Power providing continuous supply during the three-month repair period.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) also raised concerns over frequent vandalism of the Ikot Abasi–Eket transmission line, which evacuates power from Ibom Power. Past vandalism in November 2025 required intervention by Ibom Power’s Managing Director, Engr. Camillus Umoh, to restore supply. TCN emphasized the need for community support and awareness to protect electricity infrastructure and called on the Akwa Ibom State government to educate residents on its importance.
