Rt Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo was sworn in as Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) on the 21st of August 2023 by The President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
The HM got off to a great start by engaging with investors at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi to foster opportunities and close out strategies to address immediate and future demand for gas.
The HM paid a visit to the 614 Kilometer Ajaokuta, Kaduna, Kano (AKk) gas pipeline project and charged the contractors, He also obtained commitment from them to deliver the project before August 2024 deadline. He also paid a visited the Train 7 of the Nigeria LNG Limited under construction in Bonny Island for similar purposes, He attended several conferences and symposiums to foster relationships with the relevant stakeholders to sell the GASIFY Nigeria mandate, and ensure a sustainable approach for Nigeria to thrive in the Gas sector, Currently, there is proven 208 trillion cubit feet of gas in the reserve that has not been tapped, additional 600 in the deep sea water and shallow water that can be generated with massive investment and exploration.
The HM has also kickstarted a mission to sensitize the general public on the usage of gas, so they can move away from Biomass, which adds harmful waste to the atmosphere. The HM is confident that the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project which aims to link European market is expected to begin in 2024. Under this project, Gas is expected to be transported through the participating countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. Once completed, the project will enhance the monetization of the natural gas resources of the affected African countries and also offer a new alternative export route to Europe.
In conclusion, The HM is a firm believer of Gas as not merely a transitional fuel, but a destination fuel in the quest to achieve low carbon emission, as it also aligns with the Renewed hope agenda of Mr. President to deliver prosperity for Nigeria and Nigerians through the Gas sector.
Achievement100 days in office
December 4, 20230