Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State is hinging closer to having a 24 hour power supply in the state as the State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved a state-owned electricity policy.
The Cross River State Electricity Policy provides a comprehensive roadmap to overhaul the state energy framework by introducing a competitive market model underpinned by robust institutional structures.
This was disclosed in an emergency meeting of the State EXCO held on Thursday, March 6.
The Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey in presiding over the State EXCO meeting, directed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani, Esq., to make the presentation of the policy document on his behalf.
He disclosed that the electricity policy seeks to transform Cross River State’s power sector by establishing three key entities, namely: the Cross River State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CRSERC) for independent regulatory oversight; the Cross River State Electrification Agency (CRSEA) to extend reliable power to underserved communities; and the Cross River State Independent System Operator (CRSISO) to streamline system operations.
He further explained that the policy has an ambitious target to achieve 95% electricity access in the state by the year 2028, thereby bridging the energy divide by scaling up generation capacity, enhancing transmission and distribution efficiency, and promoting rigorous consumer protection and energy efficiency.
Besides the approved electricity policy document, the State EXCO also considered and adopted a draft bill for the enactment of the Cross River State Electricity Law, 2025, which is to be sent to the State House of Assembly for proper legislation.
Another important approval of note by the State EXCO was a request that required the state to pay N500 million in counterpart funds to the federal government in order to receive a matching grant in support of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development in the state.
Earlier in his remarks at the meeting, the Deputy Governor, explained that the Governor was unavoidably absent as he was pursuing other very important state matters.
He also commended the records of prompt response by the State Security structures in some flashpoints and demanded that they replicate the commendable response across the state by justifying the increased mobility that has been provided for them by the state Governor.
Recall that the Governor Otu had during the last media parley with journalists in the state, said the state was putting everything in place to buy the 560 megawatts power plant at Odukpani in the state from the federal government to ensure steady power supply for Crops River.
