… Highlights investments, industrial growth in Akwa Ibom
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has outlined a series of significant achievements in the last one year, particularly focusing on the economic transformation and industrial growth in Akwa Ibom State.
In a chat with newsmen in Uyo, Ekpo celebrated his role in securing major investments that would create thousands of jobs and driving economic growth for the state and the country.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for his collaboration, noting that the Governor’s leadership has fostered a conducive environment for the state and federal governments to work hand in hand.
Among his key accomplishments, Ekpo highlighted the successful attraction of Jindal Group, which will offtake 450 million metric standard cubic feet per day, MMscfd, of natural gas to support a $4 billion investment in a Hot Briquetted Iron steel plant at the Ibom Solutions Hub Industrial Park.
“This investment is a game changer for Akwa Ibom. It will create thousands of jobs and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s industrial capacity,” Ekpo added.
Ekpo also pointed to the historic agreement with BFI Group and China National Chemical Engineering Corporation, CNCEC to restart operations at the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON in Ikot Abasi, marking a major milestone in revitalizing Nigeria’s aluminium production.
“The revival of ALSCON will not only boost our aluminium production but will also provide substantial employment opportunities for the people of Ikot Abasi and beyond The revival will see the plant producing up to 300,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, with the added benefit of job creation for local communities.
*Another notable achievement was the development of a partnership between 3W Alliance Limited and the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, OGFZA, to establish an international industrial park at the Liberty Free Trade Zone in Ikot Abasi.
“The park will feature essential infrastructure, including power and water supply, gas pipelines, and residential estates, designed to drive technology transfer and skills acquisition. This project is critical to our vision of turning Akwa Ibom into an industrial hub, and I am excited about the long-term impact it will have on both the state and the nation,” Ekpo said.
Ekpo also drew attention to the upcoming completion of the 20,000 metric tonnes Windek Energy LPG depot in Ibeno, which he assured would become a major revenue and job generator for the state.
“Once completed, the LPG depot will serve as a key revenue earner and provide hundreds of jobs for the people of Akwa Ibom,” he added.
Through these initiatives, Ekpo emphasized his commitment to leveraging Akwa Ibom’s natural resources and fostering partnerships that will help propel Nigeria towards greater industrialization and economic prosperity.
“These projects are not just about today; they are investments in the future of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria,” Ekpo concluded.
