In what is being hailed as a strategic turning point in Nigeria’s energy narrative, Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, has officially staked its claim as the country’s emerging energy capital. This follows the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), alongside the announcement of a $3.5 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
The deal was unveiled during the South-South Gas Utilization Forum held at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, where Governor Eno, represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described the agreement as “a strategic leap toward energy-led prosperity.” With this bold move, Akwa Ibom is set to transform from a resource-rich state into a full-scale gas-based industrial and investment powerhouse.
The $3.5 billion investment, according to NNPC’s Executive Vice President (Gas), Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, will fund major infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom. These include inter-county gas pipelines, offshore-to-land gas delivery systems, a methanol and fertilizer plant, as well as a floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility. These projects will not only power homes and industries but also stimulate large-scale economic activities across the state.
More importantly, the MoU commits the parties to develop a comprehensive Akwa Ibom State Gas Master Plan (AKS-GMP), focused on data mapping, infrastructure planning, and demand forecasting. The plan also includes virtual pipeline systems, such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), and LNG delivery, for both industrial and domestic use.
Governor Eno’s foresight in pushing for this partnership is a bold step toward economic diversification, job creation, and industrial development. With thousands of direct and indirect jobs expected from the gas projects, Akwa Ibom youths and skilled workers will find opportunities in sectors ranging from construction and energy logistics to petrochemicals and technology.
Additionally, the energy boom will enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and stimulate value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, and transport. With cleaner and cheaper fuel sources like LPG and CNG becoming widely available, local businesses and households will benefit from lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.
Speaking at the forum, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the agreement as a milestone in Nigeria’s gas-to-wealth agenda. He applauded Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, noting that Akwa Ibom’s vision aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Gas to Prosperity, Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister emphasized the importance of moving from gas production to value addition, citing industries like fertilizers, petrochemicals, and modular refineries as key growth areas. He also drew attention to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates oil and gas companies to contribute 3% of their annual operating expenditure to the development of host communities through the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT).
“This is about communities becoming co-owners, not just spectators, in Nigeria’s energy transition,” the Minister said.
The investment and industrialization roadmap align seamlessly with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly in areas like rural development, economic empowerment, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable development. The state’s commitment to environmental standards and inclusive growth underscores its readiness to become not just an energy-rich state, but a globally competitive one.
The summit, themed “Utilizing Gas as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth,”brought together key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s oil-rich South-South region. marking the beginning of a new energy era led by Akwa Ibom.
With strategic leadership, massive investment, and a clear vision, Governor Umo Eno has not just unlocked the state’s gas potential, he has repositioned Akwa Ibom as the true energy capital of Nigeria.
