The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his support of investments that drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for the state’s citizens.
“As someone who hails from this great state, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our people to development and innovation,” Ekpo remarked. “With its strategic location, resource wealth, and commitment to development, the state is positioned to be a key hub in Nigeria’s gas revolution. I must commend the Government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno for his progressive stance in supporting investments that drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for our people.”
Ekpo’s remarks were made during the groundbreaking ceremony for Guelph Gas Limited’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State. He noted that as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, Nigeria is well-positioned to leverage its vast natural gas reserves to drive a just and equitable energy transition.
“CNG, being a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels, will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a healthier environment,” Ekpo said.
The minister also commended Guelph Gas Limited for its investment in the project, describing it as a sign of growing confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector. He emphasized that the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for private sector participation were crucial in driving such investments.
Ekpo further assured that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the project and other similar initiatives across the country. These efforts, he said, aim to significantly boost Nigeria’s income, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities, especially for Nigerian youths.
Managing Director of Guelph Gas Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Bassey, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support of initiatives like the Gas to Prosperity and Decade of Gas policies, which have encouraged companies like Guelph Gas Limited to invest in the gas sector. Bassey also thanked Ekpo for his instrumental support in bringing the CNG project to fruition.
The three-million-standard cubic feet per day CNG mother station project in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State, is designed to supply natural gas via CNG to commercial and industrial customers in the South-South and South-Eastern regions of Nigeria, which are not currently connected to the national gas pipeline network.
Bassey revealed that the company is finalizing its pre-development phase and has already secured the License to Establish, License to Construct, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, building approval, and the Head of Terms. The company also expects to sign the Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) before the end of the month, with offtake agreements already in place.
He assured the public that the project would be delivered on schedule and to specification, and also pledged that the host community would not be left out of the benefits of social corporate responsibility. Bassey sought the continued support and cooperation of the community throughout the project’s development.
