By Anthony Isaac
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the establishment of a 200 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) gas processing and liquefaction facility in Akwa Ibom State, as part of efforts to boost domestic gas utilisation, attract investment and expand exports.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, gave the assurance after a stakeholders’ meeting on gas supply to the proposed Ibom LNG project, which is expected to be located within the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state.
Ekpo said the project would play a significant role in unlocking Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources for domestic consumption and export markets.
According to him, the facility, when operational, has the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local businesses, attract investments and strengthen the country’s energy security.
He added that the project would support gas-based industries, increase government revenue and accelerate industrialisation in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the country.
The Minister commended the leadership of Ibom LNG, led by Mr Jimmy Ntuen, for its commitment to advancing the project, describing the initiative as an important contribution to Nigeria’s gas development ambitions.
He also praised the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, for reaffirming the national oil company’s commitment to collaborating with private sector investors to advance gas development and commercialisation.
Ekpo said effective collaboration among Ibom LNG, NNPC Ltd. and other industry stakeholders would be critical to ensuring adequate and reliable gas supply for the project and its prospective customers within and outside Nigeria.
The minister also commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his support, particularly his prompt provision of land for the project following engagements with the Federal Government.
He said the governor’s action demonstrated his commitment to attracting investments, promoting economic development and creating employment opportunities for residents of the state.
Ekpo noted that the proposed facility aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Gas to Prosperity agenda, which seeks to position natural gas as a major driver of economic growth, industrial development and improved livelihoods.
He said the Federal Government remained determined to harness the country’s gas resources to expand industrial activities, create jobs and increase export earnings.
The proposed Ibom LNG project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s gas value chain by supporting the conversion of natural gas into products for domestic and international markets, subject to the development of the required infrastructure and securing reliable feed gas supply.
Its successful implementation would also deepen private sector participation in the gas industry and reinforce the role of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria’s emerging gas economy.
