The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, PhD, means well.
That intentional alliance fashioned with His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, is yielding desired dividends.
Optimisation of the immense gas resources of Akwa Ibom State is now a top priority.
On July 14, 2025, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria (GACN), was sealed.
The tripartite deal is worth $3.5 billion.
A Final Investment Decision (FID) was signed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
Governor Umo Eno represented by his. Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi,
Aptly described the breakthrough as, “a strategic leap toward energy-led prosperity.”
During that South-South Gas Utilisation Forum, at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Rt Hon. Ekpo was manifestly elated.
Interpreting President Tinubu’s blueprint in the sector has been his focus.
That vision is – Gas to Prosperity – Renewed Hope Agenda
Ordinarily, one is apprehensive given the inexplicable underutilisation of our rich gas reserves.
Unharnessed for much-needed industrialisation and domestic energy use.
With consequences on our quest for economic growth, and inclusive development.
Issues with host communities and concern for environmental impacts have left conflicted perspectives in achieving full gas-based investment initiatives.
Thankfully, the Minister struck the partnership chord with Governor Eno and the result is becoming increasingly tangible.
Enablers for the investors to come in have been ensured.
Akwa Ibom is set to take its rightful place as an energy and industrial powerhouse.
I agree with Rt Hon. Ekpo’s deposition.
That President Tinubu’s gas-based prosperity aligns perfectly with Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda vision.
Going forward
Akwa Ibom will be creating a conducive business environment
To attract industries such as petrochemicals, fertilisers, modular refineries, and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered transport systems.
That MoU is all-important.
Another driver of rural development.
The Honourable Minister did well to stress the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Which cites the establishment of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT).
Mandating oil and gas companies that operate there
To support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment in host communities.
With no less than 3% of their annual operational expenditure allocated for this purpose.
That is value addition, if faithfully implemented.
Guaranteeing robust engagement and inclusivity with host communities.
Making them, in the words of the Minister,
“co-owners, not just spectators, in the energy development process.”
The status of Akwa Ibom State as a natural gas development and industrial investment destination is therefore consolidated.
Like NNPC’s Executive Vice President (Gas), Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, stated.
The $3.5 billion commitment will support the development of vital gas infrastructure projects.
Inter-county gas pipelines, offshore-to-land gas delivery systems, a methanol plant, a fertiliser plant, and a floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility.
Akwa Ibom will be an industrial hub given the Gas Master Plan.
Rt Hon. Ekpo achieves much more given the big picture.
The national goal on energy transition and decarbonization.
In furtherance of the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative and climate change agenda.
Above all. I commend the Honourable Minister for bringing charity home.
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Rt Hon. Ekpo launched the construction of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The NNPC Ltd. is executing this in partnership with PRIME LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG Arete.
A move to facilitate rapid access to gas to deepen its utilisation among Nigerians.
Critics of the Minister wondered why charity began abroad.
Arguing that the South-South in general, and his homeland of Akwa Ibom in particular, are more deserving of such plants.
He however had it all figured out as current developments prove.
He saved the best dance for the last.
Rt Hon. Ekpo should earn our common admiration.
He had all it takes to create a schism and sustain the combative Abuja Front.
To fight the Governor and try to destabilise his administration.
A negative patent of Akwa Ibom politics.
But he chose the higher ground.
His words on that historic signing of the MoU reveal his sense of patriotism and delightful progress.
Hear him;
“Being here today is more than official—it is personal. As an indigene of Akwa Ibom, I am proud to witness this convergence of visionaries committed to gas-powered prosperity.
I commend His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for creating a development-friendly environment in this state, and I thank GACN for driving this important dialogue. This is a defining moment for the South-South. We have the gas reserves, the will, and now the platform.
Our message is clear: Let’s turn gas into jobs, industries, and inclusive growth. Through the Decade of Gas, the LPG penetration programme, the AKK and OB3 pipelines, and the spirit of the PIA, we are building something lasting.
I urge stakeholders to turn ideas into action—this is our chance to lead not just a regional conversation, but a national transformation.
President Tinubu must be smiling with satisfaction.
He got this appointment right with Rt Hon. Ekpo pursuing winning ways.
For Akwa Ibom, the future of becoming a truly valuable gas hub in the federation is here.
by Osondu Ahirika
