Nigerian government has approved the building of oil and gas logistics center for Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Akwa Ibom. The country’s ministry of petroleum resources has also made approval for a partnership deal for the establishment of a petroleum depot by NNPC
Petroleum resources minister of state, Mr. Timipre Sylva, who dropped the hint in Uyo, urged the governor, Mr. Emmanuel Udom to set up a team to work with the NNPC in drawing up modalities for the collaboration.
The minister who spoke at a gala night organised by the Akwa Ibom government in honour of a delegation of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry retreat in Uyo last Saturday, said he has the authority of the federal government to announce the interest to partner with the state in the establishment of an NNPC base in Akwa Ibom state.
“It has also approved the immediate establishment of an oil and gas logistics facility in the state.
Few concerns were raised on the choice of Akwa Ibom for our retreat, but politics was not part of the consideration.
As we go back, work will start in ernest. Mr President has already helped by signing a free trade zone status for that area.
“We went all the way to Ibaka, a very interesting and painstaking journey. Some people in my team were excited because it was a rare experience using the boats,” the Minister said, and commended the governor for his efforts at maintaining peace and security in Akwa Ibom.
On the 21 Storey Smart Building being executed by the Governor, he said the NNPC was already considering taking some aspects of the corporation for accommodation in the building.
“We request that you cooperate with the President so that the weight of governance on him would be lighter,” Sylva explained. Earlier, Gov. Emmanuel expressed appreciation for the planned NNPC oil and gas logistics centre for the state.
He also disclosed that President Buhari approved a 50,000 hectares oil and gas free trade zone in Akwa Ibom. Emmanuel urged the minister to partner the state for the 540 megawatts Qua Iboe Power Plant project.
He further used the occasion to urge the relocation of multinational oil giants, ExxonMobil to its host state.
He added that his administration had built a lot including building a 21 storey intelligence building named “Dakkada Towers” and housing estates which could effectively serve the company and its workers.
By Chibisi Ohakah, Abuja
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