Akwa Ibom Moves to Become Nigeria’s Gas Capital

Akwa Ibom State is now on course to become Nigeria’s top gas industrial hub. This transformation follows a $3.5 billion investment by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in major infrastructure projects.

The deal was sealed with the Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria (GACN) through a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Diaspora Digital Media learnt that the announcement came during the South-South Gas Utilisation Forum (GUF), held at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo. Governor Umo Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described the MoU as a “strategic leap toward energy-led prosperity.”

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to gas development.

Additionally, he applauded Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, for executing the president’s vision with clear commitment.

“Akwa Ibom is ready for gas-driven growth,” Eno said. “We will make sure investors benefit while our people feel the impact directly.”

He also emphasized the state’s commitment to enforcing environmental standards and promoting host community welfare.

Minister Ekpo described the summit as a historic turning point.

He stated that Governor Eno’s vision aligns with the federal gas-to-wealth strategy. Furthermore, he encouraged the South-South region to move beyond raw gas production and embrace value creation.

Breakdown of the $3.5 Billion Plan

Olalekan Ogunleye, NNPC’s Executive Vice President (Gas), outlined the project’s key components. The investment will cover:

• A regional gas pipeline
• Offshore-to-land gas delivery systems
• A methanol plant
• A fertilizer production site
• A floating LNG terminal

The MoU, signed by Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah and Attorney General Uko Udom (SAN), establishes a framework for the Akwa Ibom State Gas Master Plan (AKS-GMP).

This master plan will focus on infrastructure mapping, demand forecasting, and a sustainable gas supply strategy.

Communities to Benefit

Minister Ekpo also referenced the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandates oil and gas firms to invest 3% of their annual operating costs in host communities.

These funds will support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

“Our communities are not just stakeholders they are co-owners in this energy journey,” Ekpo stressed.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition

The MoU promotes the rollout of virtual gas pipelines using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

These innovations will power homes and industries.

Moreover, they support Nigeria’s energy transition goals under the Decade of Gas initiative and broader climate targets.

Experts believe Akwa Ibom now stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s gas future.

With strong political will and substantial investment, the state could lead the nation’s drive toward a gas-powered, industrialized economy.

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