The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria Ltd/GTE (GACN), has entered into a landmark $3.5 billion agreement aimed at accelerating gas-based industrial development in the South-South region.
The agreement was formalised during the opening session of the 2025 South-South Gas Utilisation Forum, which kicked off on Monday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The event drew key stakeholders from across the oil and gas sector, including representatives of the Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers State governments.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, was among the top government officials in attendance, alongside leading executives from NNPCL and GACN. NNPCL’s Executive Vice President of Upstream, Udy Ntia—who also chairs the GACN board—led the company’s delegation, with support from Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive VP for Gas, Power, and New Energy.
GACN’s Managing Director, Chijioke Uzoho, spearheaded the forum, which was designed to mobilise stakeholders toward a unified vision of regional development through gas utilisation.
According to an NNPCL statement issued Tuesday, the multi-billion-dollar deal reflects the South-South region’s growing resolve to leverage gas for economic expansion and sustainable development. The agreement is expected to fast-track energy security, industrialisation, and job creation in the zone.
Speaking at the forum, Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Economic Development, Emem Bob—who represented Governor Pastor Umo Eno—affirmed the state’s dedication to harnessing gas as a key pillar for future growth.
Ekperikpe Ekpo also underscored the critical role of gas in shaping Nigeria’s sustainable economic path during a cultural night and dinner event organised by GACN as part of the forum.
NNPCL’s Ntia reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and strengthening Nigeria’s energy mix through expanded gas utilisation. He described the collaboration as a model for regional cooperation that aligns with national energy transition goals.
The partnership marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to unlock the full potential of its natural gas reserves and transition to a cleaner, more diversified energy future.
