Ekpo performs groundbreaking for Ibesikpo CNG Plant
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, today performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Guelph Gas Limited’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, Ekpo noted that as the world pivots towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, Nigeria is well-positioned to harness its abundant natural gas reserves to power a fair and inclusive energy transition.
In his remarks, Ekpo described CNG as a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuels and underlined its growing importance in curbing carbon emissions and fostering a healthier environment.
The Minister applauded Guelph Gas Limited for its financial commitment to the project, calling it a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector. He credited the Federal Government’s efforts in creating a conducive atmosphere for private sector investment, saying these policies have paved the way for projects such as this to thrive.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas)’s full support for the success of this initiative and others like it across the nation, noting that such projects would not only enhance national revenue but also spur economic development and generate jobs—especially for Nigeria’s vibrant youth population.
Ekpo also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for backing investment initiatives that contribute to economic expansion and job creation within the state.
“As someone from this great state, I’ve personally witnessed our people’s commitment to progress and ingenuity,” he said. “With its strategic location, natural resource endowment, and developmental mindset, Akwa Ibom is poised to play a central role in Nigeria’s gas transformation.”
In his address, the Managing Director of Guelph Gas Limited, Mr Emmanuel Bassey, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for championing policies such as the Gas to Prosperity agenda and the Decade of Gas initiative. He said these forward-thinking frameworks have encouraged companies like Guelph Gas Limited to invest meaningfully in the gas sector as Nigeria works towards becoming a gas-powered economy.
Bassey also thanked Minister Ekpo for his unwavering support in helping the CNG project become a reality.
The Ibesikpo-based mother station, designed to process three million standard cubic feet of gas per day, will supply CNG to commercial and industrial customers across the South-South and South-East regions—particularly those not currently served by Nigeria’s existing gas pipeline infrastructure.
Bassey announced that the company is nearing the completion of its pre-development phase and has already secured several key regulatory milestones, including the License to Establish, License to Construct, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, building permit, and the Head of Terms. He added that the company expects to finalise the Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) before the end of the month, with off-take agreements already signed.
He pledged to deliver the project on time and to specification. Addressing the host community, he promised they would be fully included in the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and appealed for their continued cooperation and support.
