The Cross River State Executive Council, in an emergency meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025, approved a state-owned electricity policy aimed at transforming the state’s energy sector.
The Cross River State Electricity Policy outlines a roadmap for establishing a competitive electricity market with strong institutional frameworks. Governor Senator Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, presided over the meeting and directed the State Attorney General, Mr. Ededem Ani, Esq., to present the policy document.
The policy proposes the creation of three key entities to drive the power sector’s reform: Cross River State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CRSERC) – to ensure independent oversight of the sector.
Cross River State Electrification Agency (CRSEA) – to expand reliable electricity access, especially in underserved areas.
Cross River State Independent System Operator (CRSISO) – to coordinate system operations efficiently.
According to the Governor, the goal is to achieve 95% electricity access by 2028 by boosting generation capacity, improving transmission and distribution, and ensuring robust consumer protection measures.
Additionally, the State Executive Council approved a draft bill for the Cross River State Electricity Law, 2025, which will be sent to the State House of Assembly for legislative action.
The council also sanctioned the payment of ₦500 million as counterpart funding to the federal government, which will enable the state to access a matching grant for the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Governor Peter Odey explained that Governor Otu was attending to other critical state matters.
He also praised the State Security agencies for their swift responses to security incidents in identified flashpoints and urged them to maintain the momentum across the state, especially with the increased mobility support provided by the administration.
Godwin Otang, Calabar, The Nation Online NG
