Ekpo Performs Ibesikpo CNG Plant Groundbreaking, Hails Economic Growth Prospects

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo today performed the groundbreaking for Guelph Gas Limited’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State, noting that as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, Nigeria is poised to leverage its vast natural gas reserves to drive a just and equitable energy transition.

Ekpo in a speech at the event also described CNG as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels that will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a healthier environment.

The gas minister lauded Guelph Gas Limited for committing funds to the project, citing it as a testament to growing confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector. He attributed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation as instrumental in driving investment.

Ekpo assured that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) will provide necessary support to ensure the project’s success and similar initiatives across the country.

These efforts aim to significantly boost the country’s income earnings, stimulate economic growth, and generate vast employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

The Minister also commended Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for supporting investments that drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for citizens.

“As someone who hails from this great state, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our people to development and innovation,” Ekpo said. “With its strategic location, resource wealth, and commitment to development, the state is positioned to be a key hub in Nigeria’s gas revolution.”

Managing director of Guelph Gas Limited, Emmanuel Bassey, thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting initiatives and policies like the Gas to Prosperity and Decade of Gas. These policies have encouraged companies like Guelph Gas Limited to invest in the gas sector as Nigeria seeks to become a gas-powered economy. Bassey also thanked Ekpo for his support in bringing the CNG project to fruition.

The three million standard cubic feet per day CNG mother station project in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State, aims to supply natural gas via CNG to commercial and industrial customers in the South-South and South-Eastern parts of the country not currently connected to the country’s gas pipeline network.

Bassey said the company was wrapping up it’s pre-development phase and had received the License to Establish, License to Construct, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, building approval, and the Head of Terms, and also expect to sign the Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) before the end of the month, with offtake agreements already in place.

He promised to deliver the project on schedule and to specification and assured the host community that they would not be left out in terms of social corporate responsibility while seeking their support and cooperation.