A civic advocacy group, Open Forum, has commended recent efforts by the Akwa Ibom State Government to reform the power sector, while raising serious concerns over the integrity of ongoing processes, including the technical audit of Ibom Power Company (IPC) and the composition of the state’s Power Reform Implementation Committee.
In a press statement issued on April 13, 2026, and signed by its Founder and President, Citizen Matthew Koffi Okono (MKO), the group described the reforms initiated under Governor Umo Eno as a “welcome development” capable of reviving one of the state’s most significant legacy projects.
However, it warned that missteps in execution could undermine the entire initiative.
Central to the group’s concerns is the technical audit of Ibom Power Company conducted by Savannah Energy, owners of Accugas, the firm responsible for supplying gas to the plant.
Open Forum described the arrangement as a “clear conflict of interest,” arguing that it violates global auditing standards and undermines public trust.
“The appointment of Savannah Energy represents a clear conflict of interest and violates international auditing standards,” the statement read, adding that such an arrangement “undermines credibility, transparency, and public confidence.”
The group further cited reports alleging that auditors failed to physically inspect the facility before submitting their report in April 2024, describing the outcome as a “misleading technical evaluation.”
It noted the absence of any formal rebuttal from relevant authorities and called for the immediate annulment of the audit report, if it has been adopted, urging the government to engage an independent and qualified firm to conduct a fresh, comprehensive technical and operational review, not only of Ibom Power Company, but also of all state-owned investments under the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP).
It stressed that “without a credible and comprehensive managerial and technical audit, no roadmap can be said to be available for the ongoing power sector reforms.”
The group also criticised the recently constituted Power Reform Implementation Committee, describing it as lacking the technical expertise required to drive meaningful change.
“A committee without relevant qualifications cannot effectively implement power sector reforms,” the statement said, warning that the current structure risks failure from inception.
Citing expert opinions, Open Forum referenced comments by Professor Akpan Ekpo, who had earlier cautioned against selling Ibom Power and advocated for indigenous expertise.
It also highlighted the position of UK-based power engineer Emmanuel Eno, who reportedly described the committee’s composition as “professional negligence.”
“If the goal is efficiency, sustainability, or real reform, this committee is destined to fail before it even starts,” Eno was quoted as saying, emphasising that “power reform is technical, complex, and affects millions.”
Meanwhile, the statement revisited a 2009 Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement between the state government and Accugas, noting that the deal involved significant financial commitments, of $66 million, with a $33 million upfront payment, and infrastructure support such as a 69km gas pipeline.
Open Forum questioned the current terms of the agreement and called for a thorough review, especially given ongoing concerns about gas supply to the power plant despite the state’s abundant resources.
“It is an oddity that gas is being flared daily in the state, whereas it is required to change the state’s power trajectory,” the group noted.
Among its broader recommendations, Open Forum called for: the reconstitution of the reform committee with qualified professionals; full disclosure of audit processes and committee membership; recovery of a reported missing $80 million allegedly meant for Ibom Power; and consideration for establishing a state-owned Ibom Gas Company.
Open Forum also recommended
engagement with industry experts and stakeholders, including professional bodies; and a consultative meeting with key figures involved in the original vision of Ibom Power.
The group urged the recall of a former power sector official, Engr Meyen Etukudo, the immediate past MD of Ibom Power Company, arguing that performance declined after his removal.
