Communities in Esit Eket and Eket Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have lauded Seven Energy for establishing the N90 billion Uquo Gas Processing Facility in their area and pledged to provide adequate security for the smooth operation of the gas facility.

Speaking on behalf of the host communities at the recent inauguration of the gas project by President Goodluck Jonathan, the paramount ruler of Esit Eket, His Royal Majesty Peter Ubong Assam, said that the Esit Eket people appreciated the efforts of the company in the development of the host communities. “The company has given us everything free – schools, roads and all important things. The company has done enough. We appreciate the company because they have done well and we, the Esit Eket people will protect the company,” he said.

He noted that Esit Eket is a peaceful community that is ready to collaborate with the government to provide security for the gas plant. “I thank God for this project. The President of Nigeria has done well to support this project. His Excellency, Godswill Obot Akpabio has done well to bring this project to Esit Eket people,” he added.

Speaking at the commissioning, President Jonathan commended Seven Energy and its Joint Venture partner, Frontier Oil Limited, for the project and the impact it will have on Nigeria’s aspiration for sustainable power supply.

“We are happy with what we have seen today. Seven Energy and Frontier Oil deserve commendation for combining their individual capacities to deliver this project which will have multiplier effect on the economy such as increasing national power output, employment opportunities for the host communities and Nigerians and additional revenue for both the federal government and Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Seven Energy, Mr. Phillip Ihenacho, said the Uquo gas project was a reflection of the company’s unique focus on the emerging Nigerian domestic gas market. He stated that Nigeria has immense gas potential which remains untapped both for power generation and industrial use.

“Seven Energy, through its subsidiary Accugas, has developed a midstream gas processing and transportation infrastructure, and with our partner in the Uquo Field we have combined our expertise to make this project a reality to unlock the huge opportunities we see in the Nigerian gas market.

“We are happy to see our investment culminate in the commissioning of this facility which will support Government’s effort to improve power supply, create job opportunities for Nigerians and impact other sectors of the economy,” Ihenacho said.

Also commenting on the project, Governor Akpabio said the State was happy to provide the right environment for both Seven Energy and Frontier Oil to operate in the state. “Akwa Ibom is a peaceful state and business friendly. We are a partner that corporates want to work with. As you can see today, through our vision and partnership with these companies, we are achieving great things for both Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Akpabio added that Akwa Ibom State Government and its partners are leading the way in addressing Nigeria’s power problem through the production of natural gas. He assured of the State Government’s continued support to Seven Energy and Frontier Oil.

President Jonathan was accompanied to the commissioning ceremony by other dignitaries including the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Executive Secretary Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr Ernest Nwapa; Minister of Tourism, and Culture, Chief Edem Duke; and Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike among other personalities.

Source: Thisday