Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has applauded the landmark $3.5 billion gas investment by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria, GACN, describing it as a defining moment for the South-South and a major leap toward Nigeria’s gas-powered industrial future.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Ekpo said the initiative demonstrates strong alignment between national gas aspirations and regional readiness.
He commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for creating a development-friendly climate that enabled the project and expressed appreciation to GACN for driving the initiative forward.
“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.
“This is a defining moment for the South-South. We have the gas reserves, the will, and now the platform,” the Minister stated.
He urged stakeholders to convert policy frameworks and dialogue into tangible impact, highlighting Nigeria’s gas master plan and infrastructure rollouts, including the AKK and OB3 pipelines, the LPG penetration programme, and the broader Decade of Gas agenda.
“Our message is clear: Let’s turn gas into jobs, industries, and inclusive growth. I urge stakeholders to turn ideas into action, this is our chance to lead not just a regional conversation, but a national transformation.”
The $3.5 billion investment is aimed at unlocking gas utilization, deepening industrialization, and accelerating energy transition goals across Akwa Ibom and the broader Niger Delta region.
