Boost In C’River State Power Infrastructure As EXCOS Approves State-owned Electricity Policy

By, Promise Imoh

The State Executive Council of Cross River State has approved the presentation for a state-owned electricity policy document made by the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu 

This approval was made during an emergency meeting held on Thursday, March 6, 2025,  where The Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey presided over the session, but directed the State Attorney General, Mr. Ededem Ani, Esq. to make the presentation of the policy document on his behalf. 

The Electricity Policy provides a comprehensive roadmap that will overhaul the state energy framework by introducing a competitive market model supported by robust institutional structures.

Speaking during the meeting, 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 also emphasized 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.

Meanwhile, aside approval of the electricity policy document, the Council 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.

Also, a very important highlighted approval by the 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.

This is indeed a good boost for the cross River State electricity sector as sooner enough it will make the state an independent state in terms of electricity generation.

In another development, the deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey commended the records of prompt response by the State Security structures in some flashpoints and requested that same be replicated across the state by justifying the increased mobility that has been provided for by the state Governor.