The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing gas supply for the proposed 200 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) Ibom Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Akwa Ibom State, as stakeholders intensify efforts to advance the investment.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this after a stakeholders’ meeting on gas supply for the project, describing it as an important step towards unlocking Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources for domestic consumption and export.
In a statement on the meeting, Ekpo said the Federal Government remained committed to supporting the actualisation of the project, which is proposed for the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“The project represents an important step towards unlocking Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves for domestic use and export,” the minister said.
He explained that the facility, when operational, could create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract investments, stimulate local businesses, strengthen energy security and increase government revenue.
According to him, the project would also support gas-based industries and accelerate industrialisation in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the country.
Ekpo commended the leadership of Ibom LNG, led by Mr Jimmy Ntuen, for its commitment to driving the initiative, describing the project as an important investment in 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 company’s commitment to working with private investors to advance gas development and commercialisation.
“The collaboration between Ibom LNG, NNPC Ltd. and other industry stakeholders will be critical to delivering a viable project and ensuring reliable gas supply to end users within and beyond Nigeria,” Ekpo said.
The minister also acknowledged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his support, particularly the prompt provision of land following engagements on the proposed investment.
“I must also specially commend the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his leadership, responsiveness and strong support for the project,” he said.
“His prompt provision of land following our engagement demonstrates his commitment to attracting investment, promoting economic development and creating opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom State,” the minister added.
Ekpo said the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Gas to Prosperity agenda, which seeks to harness Nigeria’s gas resources to drive economic growth, industrial development, job creation and improved livelihoods.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Gas to Prosperity agenda, we are determined to harness Nigeria’s gas resources as a catalyst for economic growth, industrial development, job creation and improved livelihoods, while expanding export opportunities,” he said.
The proposed Ibom LNG facility is expected to strengthen the role of natural gas in Akwa Ibom’s industrial development while contributing to Nigeria’s wider energy and export ambitions.
However, the realisation of these anticipated benefits will depend on the successful conclusion of gas supply arrangements, the necessary project development steps and the eventual commencement of operations.
