By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has inaugurated two committees in the State Energy Sector; the Cross River State Renewable Energy Action Plan and Cross River State Electricity Policy Committees.
Inaugurating the committees in his office, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy Prince Eka Williams, who represented the governor, charged the committees members to be diligent, saying it is a rare privilege for them to be selected to handle such onerous tasks.
He said with the liberalization of Nigeria’s electricity sector and the repositioning of the Cross River State electricity market, there is need for a robust Electricity policy for the State. He added that the promotion of Renewable Energy by the state is in a bid to increase the percentage that renewable energy takes up in the state’s energy mix in line with global push for sustainable energy and addressing the global climate crisis.
The terms of reference of the Electricity Policy Committees include to review existing electricity policies and regulations, develop a comprehensive electricity policy for Cross River State, ensure reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity supply and enhance the state’s energy security.
On the other hand, the terms of reference of the Renewable Energy Action Plan Committees include to conduct a thorough assessment of the state’s renewable energy resources (solar, wind, hydro, biomass), develop a comprehensive Renewable Energy Action Plan for Cross River State (2025-2040), increase the share of renewable energy in the state’s energy mix and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.
The Committee on Cross River State Electricity Policy has Prince Eka Williams as Chairman, Dr. Ken Aklah as alternate Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Etim as Vice Chairman, Dr. Ogboaka as Secretary, Barr. Emmanuel Lifu as Assistant Secretary and Francis Ekpo as Member. Other members include Dr. Dodeye Igbong, Dr. Peter Ohiero, Chief Ifere Paul, Adi Monkom, Barr. William Itorok, Felix Ayim, and Dr. Cassius Ogar.
The Committee on Cross River State Renewable Energy Action Plan has Prince Eka Williams as Chairman, Dr. Ken Aklah as Alternate Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Etim as Vice Chairman, Dr. Ogboaka as Secretary, Barr. Emmanuel Lifu as Assistant Secretary and Mr. Francis Ekpo as Member. Other members include Dr. Dodeye Igbong, Dr. Peter Ohiero, Chief Ifere Paul, Adi Monkom, Dr. Edu Effiom, Prince Xavier Eyamba, Sunny Erokoro and Ugbizi Cletus.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Thomas Ogboaka said the committee is expected to deliver results within stipulated time and should do a thorough job as the state is looking up to them to produce world class documents that will be emulated by other states. The Director General, State Electrification Agency, Mr. Francis Ekpo while speaking said the inauguration of the committee by the governor is commendable and marks the beginning of a new era for the sector in the state.
The Committees Vice Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Etim responding on behalf of the committees thanked Governor Otu for finding them worthy to serve. He assured the Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy that the committee will put in its best and achieve positive results for the state as well as deliver within the given timeline.
Representative of the civil society Barr. William Itorok of Centre for Rights, Advocacy and Popular Participation. (CRAPP) while speaking said the civil society focus on the Electricity sector in Cross River State has put in effort to ensure that not only does the state draft and pass the state Electricity Bill, but also develop the State Electricity Policy. He added that the inauguration of the committees is a step in the right direction and the civil society will work closely with the state to ensure success.