31 August 2012, Sweetcrude, UYO – A multi-billion naira gas project that will boost power generation in Nigeria by 1,000 Megawatts, would be ready for commissioning by the end of the year.
The project is being executed by a consortium of private investors which include Frontier Oil Limited, Gulf Energy Nigeria Limited and Septa Energy Nigeria Limited, in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
Briefing the Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, in Uyo on Wednesday, the Chairman of Frontier Oil Limited, Chief Odoliyi Lolomari, said that the plant had the capacity to produce two million cubic feet of gas.
Lolomari, who led management teams of the three companies, said that the 62-kilometre gas pipeline from Esit-Eket area to Ibom Power Plant and Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, all in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, would also be ready.
The chairman described the plant as an important project and a major milestone in the life of Frontier Oil Limited.
Responding, Akpabio thanked the companies for the successful completion of the project.
“When the history of the gas project is written, it would be stated that it was done during Akpabio administration,” the governor said.
Akpabio said that the project was strategic to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the power sector.
“This is a practicable step by the private sector to look into gas flaring; Akwa Ibom is proud to partner with you on this project.
“We will continue to encourage you. We will encourage every private industry, at least one in every local government area, to create employment opportunities for our children.
“We have set aside funds to encourage the private sector to establish the industries. The oil and gas industry should also invest in other sectors, particularly the agro-allied industry.”
The governor lauded the cordial relationship between the companies and the host communities and urged on them to create employment opportunities for indigenes of the host communities.
The Managing Director of Frontier Oil Limited, Mr Dada Thomas, said that the company had made substantial progress in the ongoing Uquo Field development and construction of the gas plant.
He requested President Goodluck Jonathan, through Akpabio, as well as notable players in the power and petroleum sector, to witness the inauguration of the projects.
