Ekpo: FG Will Deploy Its Massive Gas Resources to Benefit All Nigerians

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has stated that the ministry would ensure the country’s abundant gas resources is exploited, developed and used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The minister, according to a statement from the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations in the petroleum ministry, Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, gave the assurance when he received the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo  Eno in his office in Abuja.

Ekpo expressed delight that the state was interested in the development of gas resources, noting that if the gas resources available in all states were utilised, power plants, industries and ailing industries would come alive while some industries that had relocated to other countries would return to Nigeria.

The minister promised to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State government to develop the gas resources in the state and all over the country.

“Gas development is the way to go all over the world and I promise to work with your government to develop the gas resources in Akwa Ibom state and all over the country,” the minister stated.

In his address during the visit, Eno noted that Akwa Ibom State has one of the largest deposits of gas resources in Nigeria, and the state was ready to partner with the ministry to drive the investment opportunities that abound for economic development.

“Akwa Ibom has one of the largest deposits of gas in Nigeria, we have come to partner with you because we want to drive investments into Akwa Ibom gas sector” the governor stated.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Ella, noted that he was impressed with the synergy that existed between the state government and the minister.