By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The management of Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy has strongly denied allegations of it’s involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom.
The outage which has crippled business and commercial services in the state in the last one week culminated in the sacking of the MD of Ibom Power Company, Engr Meyen Etukudoh after he blamed the outage on mounting debt to the suppliers of gas to the power company by the Governor Umo Eno led administration.
But a statement from Accugas, suppliers of gas to Ibom Power and endorsed by it’s Communications Manager, Okwudili Onyia, absolved the state government of any blame, attributing the power situation in the state to a fault in the transmission line supplying electricity to the state
“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 into the State.
“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 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.
“Furthermore, Savannah 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.” The statement explained.
Accugas, the statement further said would ontinue to partner with, and support the government of Akwa Ibom towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.
