By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, today led the groundbreaking ceremony for Guelph Gas Limited’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State. He said Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves will help create a fair energy shift as the world moves to cleaner sources.
Ekpo’s spokesperson, Louis Ibah, quoted him in a statement describing CNG as “a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels, which will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a healthier environment.” The minister praised Guelph Gas Limited for investing in the project. He said it shows growing trust in Nigeria’s gas sector, thanks to the government’s efforts to support private companies.
Ekpo promised that his ministry will back this project and others like it across Nigeria. These efforts aim to boost the nation’s income, spark economic growth, and create many jobs for young Nigerians. He also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for backing projects that grow the economy and employ people.
He said, “As someone who hails from this great state, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our people to development and innovation.” Ekpo added that Akwa Ibom’s location, resources, and focus on progress make it a key player in Nigeria’s gas revolution.
Mr Emmanuel Bassey, Managing Director of Guelph Gas Limited, thanked President Bola Tinubu for policies like Gas to Prosperity and Decade of Gas. These have pushed firms like his to invest as Nigeria aims to become a gas-powered economy. Bassey also thanked Ekpo for his help in making the CNG project happen.
The Ibesikpo CNG mother station will process three million standard cubic feet of gas daily. It plans to supply CNG to businesses and industries in the South-South and South-East, areas not yet linked to Nigeria’s gas pipeline network. Bassey said the company is finishing its pre-development phase. It has secured the Licence to Establish, Licence to Construct, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, building approval, and Head of Terms. The Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) is expected by month’s end, with offtake deals already set.
He promised to deliver the project on time and to standard. Bassey also assured the local community of benefits through corporate social responsibility and asked for their support.