Accugas Not Responsible for Power Outage in Akwa Ibom – Onyia
By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
Following the power outage in Akwa Ibom and it’s environs, Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy has denied its involvement in the saga.
This is sequel to the sacking of Ibom Power Company Managing Director, Engr. Menyene Etukudo by the state governor, Umo Eno recently.
Engr. Etukudo was accused of owing the contracting company, Savannah Energy money for the supply of gas to the Ibom Power Plant that feeds the state with electricity.
Since then, blame game ensued as stakeholders in the sector started accusing each other.
Communications Manager for Accugas Limited, Okwudili Onyia, said the power cut in Akwa Ibom State is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which, unfortunately, is preventing power being transmitted from the National Grid.
He said: “It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible. Ibom Power Company (IPC) is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the National Grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each State of the Federation through the electricity distribution companies (Discos).
“Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable c. 20% of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.
“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US$1.5 billion in gas development within the state”, Onyia stated.
The Communications Manager furthermore stated that, Savannah Energy has recently invested US$45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket.
“Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state. All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the State, demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria,” he said.
Accugas promised it will continue to partner with, and support the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.
