Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a landmark move, the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, OGFZA, has granted approval for the establishment of a multi-billion Naira power plant within the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone in Akwa Ibom state.
The project, a partnership between 3W Alliance Limited and China Power, aims to harness the abundant gas resources in Akwa Ibom state to power the industrial park in Ikot Abasi, boosting electricity supply, revenue generation, and employment opportunities.
The approval was granted when the Managing Director of OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada, led a team of 3W Alliance Limited in partnership with China Power to the office of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekeprikpe Ekpo, on an investment meeting.
Speaking, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekeprikpe Ekpo, pledged the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success, saying it marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency.
While commending the management of OGFZA for providing space and support for the investors, Ekpo expressed appreciation to the investors for their confidence and trust to invest in Nigeria.
Also, OGFZA Managing Director, Bamanga Usman Jada, hailed the project as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s energy sector, saying it aligns with President Tinubu’s gas policies to increase revenue, create jobs, and promote environmental sustainability.
Jada said, “This project would expand our national grid, improve electricity supply to our investors and to the state as well. It will also increase revenue generation for the state as well as the federal government and employment for the teeming youths”
He further disclosed that the pilot scheme seeks to utilise the abundant gas resource in Akwa Ibom state to power the industrial park in Ikot Abasi, adding that uninterrupted gas supply was required to fire the power plants and keep the parks running.
The OGFZA boss commended the Minister for championing President Tinubu’s gas policies which is already yielding results in terms of revenue to the country, jobs for the youths and improved electricity supply, clean cooking and environmental sustainability.
Jada also appreciated the Honourable Minister for working closely with the Authority, for his support and encouragement in developing the Nigerian gas sector.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to provide the necessary support to responsible investors who wish to invest in the oil and gas free zones while assuring the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Dorsi Uzoka-Anite to continuously provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
