Utilising gas resources in states will resuscitate ailing industries – Ekpo

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, says if gas resources available in the states are harnessed and utilised, power plants and ailing industries would come alive.

The Minister said this on Thursday in Abuja when he received the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno in his office.

Ekpo said if gas resources available in all states were utilised, ailing industries would come alive while some industries that had relocated to other countries would return to Nigeria.

He said the ministry would ensure that country’s abundant gas resources were exploited, developed and used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Ekpo, who said he was happy that Akwa Ibom State Government was interested in the development of its gas resources, also promised to collaborate with the state government to develop its gas resources 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.

The Minister informed the delegation that he would be visiting the state to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for a Gas Hub at Ibaka Deep Sea Port very soon.

Ekpo, while commending the governor on the ongoing infrastructural development in the state, pledged continued support of the Federal Government through the Ministry in the development of gas Infrastructures.

In his address, the governor noted that Akwa Ibom State had the largest deposit of gas resources in Nigeria.

Eno expressed his readiness to partner with the Ministry to drive the investment opportunities that abound in the State 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 said.

The governor said the state had the required human capacity and necessary infrastructures and also willing to work with the Ministry to actualise the vision and mandate of President Bola Tinubu in the gas sector.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Ella, expressed satisfaction with the synergy that existed between the state government and the Minister and worthwhile infrastructural development in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu