Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a landmark step to deepen investment in Nigeria’s energy sector, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the establishment of a SEPLAT Energy office at the Udom Emmanuel Towers in Uyo, the state capital.
The decision was announced during a high-level courtesy visit to the Governor, by the Minister of State for Gas Resources, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Executive Vice President (Upstream) of NNPC Limited, Mr. Udobong Ntia.
The Governor hailed the development as a vote of confidence in Akwa Ibom’s growing stature as a regional energy hub and a bold signal to global investors that the state is open for business.
“As we continue to build critical infrastructure, Nigeria and the global investment community will increasingly look to Akwa Ibom. SEPLAT’s presence here will drive local content, create jobs, and deepen economic linkages across our state.”
He thanked SEPLAT, formerly ExxonMobil, for its commitment to expanding operations in the region and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on infrastructure-driven growth to attract and retain major players in the oil and gas sector.
The Governor specifically credited his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for constructing the 21-storey Udom Emmanuel Towers, which now houses several multinational corporations and is poised to welcome SEPLAT’s operations.
“That tower is more than a building, it’s a statement. And it’s fast becoming a center of energy diplomacy, technology, and investment.”
The Governor also lauded the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria, GACN, for advancing gas sector reforms and promised full state support for the upcoming Gas Aggregator Conference, scheduled for July 2025 in Uyo.
“We are prepared to provide the highest level of logistics, security, and hospitality for this industry-defining event. Akwa Ibom is ready to host Nigeria’s biggest gas players and chart the future together.”
Governor Eno further highlighted progress on flagship infrastructure such as the Ibom Deep Seaport, Ibom Industrial City, aviation expansion, and digital backbone development; initiatives that reinforce the state’s readiness to absorb and accelerate major investments.
In their responses, Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo and NNPC EVP Ntia, both lauded the state’s infrastructural readiness and pledged continued federal collaboration to unlock investment opportunities across the entire gas value chain.
“The collaboration we see in Akwa Ibom is a model for other states. With projects like SEPLAT’s expansion, the Ibom Deep Seaport, and Ibom Industrial City, this state is clearly taking bold steps to position itself as a center of industrial excellence,” Ekpó said.
“Gas is the future and Akwa Ibom is aligning with that future. We are excited to work with the state in realizing this shared vision,” added Mr. Ntia.
