Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Thursday played host to the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, at the Government House in Uyo. The courtesy visit came ahead of the Pilot Activation for the Decade of Gas LPG Penetration Programme and the distribution of LPG cylinders scheduled to take place in the state capital on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both the federal and state teams to fine-tune arrangements for the federal government’s gas expansion drive in Akwa Ibom. The LPG penetration programme under the Decade of Gas initiative is aimed at deepening access to clean cooking energy, creating jobs, and reducing dependence on firewood and kerosene across communities.

Governor Eno was joined by top government officials to receive the minister and his delegation. They included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, Dean of the College of Commissioners, Hon. Frank Archibong, and other members of the State Executive Council.

The minister’s delegation also had key federal appointees and stakeholders. Leading the team with the minister was his wife, Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo. Others included the Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas, Ed Ubong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mallam Rabiu Umar Abdullahi, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Engr. Felix Omatsila Ogbe, as well as representatives of the Ministers of Youth and Women Affairs.

Speaking during the visit, officials noted that Akwa Ibom was chosen for the pilot phase because of its strategic position in the country’s gas corridor and the state government’s commitment to energy transition. The Decade of Gas programme, launched by the federal government, seeks to make natural gas and LPG the fuel of choice for households and small businesses nationwide.

With the activation and cylinder distribution set to begin in Uyo later today, both leaders expressed optimism that the programme will ease the cost of cooking gas for residents and stimulate related investments in the state. The state government pledged full support to ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative.