Akwa Ibom Faces Fuel Hike and Prolonged Blackouts

Residents of Akwa Ibom State are experiencing significant challenges as fuel prices have surged to N1,300 per liter, coupled with a blackout that has lasted nearly three weeks. This situation has severely impacted local businesses and daily life, with tricyclists charging N200 for short distances and basic goods like sachet water being sold at inflated prices.

Chimaobi, a local business owner, reported that the blackout has forced him to halt operations, as he cannot afford to buy fuel for generators. The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHDC) has attributed the power outages to faults in the Aba-Itu 132kV transmission line, which has been compromised due to vandalism.

The Ibom Power Plant is currently the only source of electricity for the state, but it is also affected by the issues with the transmission lines. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced plans to rehabilitate the Aba-Itu line, which is expected to take three months, while concerns about frequent vandalism of power infrastructure persist.