Minister Supports The Establishment Of Natural Gas-Driven Industrial Parks

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has expressed his praise for the Managing Director of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority, Mr Bamanga Usman Jada, for facilitating the construction of their industrial park by providing the necessary space and support. Ekpo also extended his gratitude to 3W Alliance for their investment in Nigeria.

During a meeting with the Chairman of 3W Alliance Limited, Dr Umaru Mutallab, and Jada, Ekpo was briefed on the collaboration between the two entities for the development of international industrial parks across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Emphasizing the objective of his office to attract gas-based investments, Ekpo assured foreign partners and financiers of the project’s security and pledged support from the ministry and regulatory agencies.

Ekpo stated, “Approval is automatically granted for this project, and we will provide all necessary support to ensure its success, starting with the Ikot Abasi park.”

Addressing the ongoing protests against economic hardships in Nigeria, Ekpo urged the delegation and fellow Nigerians to exercise patience and support the efforts made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revive the economy. He assured that the President is working diligently towards overcoming the socio-economic challenges faced by the nation.

Highlighting the President’s creation of favorable policies and reforms to attract investments, Ekpo appealed for peaceful resolutions and discouraged violent protests. He urged citizens to encourage the President and provide opportunities for investors to create jobs for Nigerian citizens.

Mutallab disclosed that the Liberty Free Trade Zone in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, will serve as the reference model for the industrial park, featuring on-site power and water supply, natural gas pipelines, internal connecting roads, and rentable warehouses. He emphasized that the park, powered by natural gas, will attract medium-scale investors and generate significant employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Jada explained that the pilot scheme aims to capitalize on Akwa Ibom State’s abundant gas resources to power the industrial park in Ikot Abasi. This initiative will facilitate technology transfer, skills acquisition, and increase revenue for the state and country. He stressed the importance of an uninterrupted gas supply to sustain the power plants and operational efficiency of the parks.