Akwa Ibom state government, Nigerian National Petroleum Company LTD (NNPC) and the Aggregator Company of Nigeria (GACN) have signed a $3.5billion gas deal aimed at promoting domestic gas development.

Governor Umo Eno, the Minister of state (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo and the NNPC’s Executive Vice President (Gas), Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye participated in the exercise.

Represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Eno led the state’s delegation to the ongoing South-South Gas Utilization Forum, taking place at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo. He described the MoU and investment package as “a strategic leap toward energy-led prosperity.”

In his remarks, Eno commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to gas development in Nigeria.

He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, along with industry leaders, stakeholders, and participants, for their dedication in translating the President’s vision into action.

The Governor emphasized that the summit would renew collective resolve to harness gas for industrialization, domestic energy use, economic growth, and inclusive development.

“Akwa Ibom is committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, ensuring adherence to environmental standards, and delivering tangible benefits to our host communities,” the governor stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, praised Governor Eno’s leadership and described the summit as a milestone in Akwa Ibom’s journey toward becoming an energy and industrial powerhouse.

“This is more than a meeting—it is a declaration of intent and a roadmap to gas-based prosperity. Governor Eno’s vision aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Gas to Prosperity – Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ekpo said.

The Minister noted that although the Southsouth remains the heart of Nigeria’s gas production, the region must now evolve from a resource base to a center of value addition, innovation, and inclusive growth.

The Minister noted that although the Southsouth remains the heart of Nigeria’s gas production, the region must now evolve from a resource base to a center of value addition, innovation, and inclusive growth.

He emphasized the need to develop industries such as petrochemicals, fertilizers, modular refineries, and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered transport systems.

Underscoring the importance of inclusive development, the minister highlighted the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021—particularly the establishment of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), which mandates oil and gas companies to contribute three per cent of their annual operational expenditure toward the development of host communities in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

“This is in line with our call for communities to be co-owners, not just spectators, in the energy development process,” he added.

Providing details on the investment, NNPC’s Executive Vice President (Gas), Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, stated that the $3.5 billion commitment will support the development of vital gas infrastructure projects. These include an inter-county gas pipeline, offshore-to-land gas delivery systems, a methanol plant, a fertilizer plant, and a floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility.

The MoU signed between the Akwa Ibom State government represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and the Hon Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN and GACN establishes a strategic framework to promote the state as a natural gas development and industrial investment destination. It also provides for the development of a robust Akwa Ibom State Gas Master Plan (AKS-GMP), with a focus on data mapping, infrastructure planning, and demand forecasting.

In addition, the MoU commits both parties to promoting domestic gas-based industries through transparent and commercially viable access to gas supply. It also supports the development of virtual pipeline solutions—such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and LNG—for both industrial and domestic use.

The agreement further aligns with national goals on energy transition and decarbonization under the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative and climate change agenda.

The summit, with the theme: “Utilising Gas as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth,” was convened by GACN and brought together high-level stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, investors, and host community representatives from across the South-South region.

With the MoU in place and NNPC’s $3.5 billion investment commitment secured, Akwa Ibom State is now firmly positioned as a frontline player in Nigeria’s gas revolution and a key driver of the Federal Government’s Gas to Prosperity agenda.