Cross River targets 95% electricity access by 2028

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Cross River State government has set an ambitious target of achieving 95% electricity access in the state by 2028. This is contained in a new state-owned Electricity Policy document, which has been approved by an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council.

The new policy provides a comprehensive roadmap to overhaul the state’s energy framework by introducing a competitive market model underpinned by robust institutional structures. The Governor, Bassey Otu, was represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, during the Executive Council meeting and directed the State Attorney General, Mr Ededem Ani, Esq., to present the policy document on his behalf.

Governor Otu explained that the “electricity policy seeks to transform Cross River State’s power sector by establishing three key entities. These are 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.

“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,” the governor said.

In addition, the State Executive Council 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.

The council also approved the payment of 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.