By Bassey Nkponam
ESIT EKET
An indigenous oil and gas company, Nsik Oil and Gas Company Limited, has birthed in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as the Federal Government performed a groundbreaking for the construction of its 10 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station.
The 10MMSCF/D CNG Mother Station project, located in Uqua Isi Edoho, in Esit Eket Local Government Area, is an indigenous service provider to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, strategically positioned to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage to achieve its vision.
The company was envisioned basically to render services such as constructions, engineering, barge operations, procurement, dredging, marine transportation, and project logistics for oil and gas companies.
Performing the groundbreaking on behalf of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, the minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the initiative as a game-changer that would not only boost Akwa Ibom’s economy but also significantly reduce dependence on petrol, by making gas a more accessible and cost-effective alternative.
Ekpo noted that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Tinubu aimed at promoting cleaner, more affordable energy solutions, and lauded Nsik Oil and Gas for its bold investment, as such private sector-led initiatives are crucial to Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
He stated that the federal government was committed to ensuring that gas remains a key driver of economic growth and energy security, as indicated in its prioritisation of investments in the gas sector, and lauded the company for its choice of Esit Eket Local Government Area as the project location instead of its CEO’s home local government, describing it as a selfless move that will spur balanced development across Akwa Ibom.
Ekpo recalled previously overseeing the release of over N200 billion into the industry and his plans to further inject another N400 billion in the next two months, and challenged Akwa Ibom and other entrepreneurs across the country to seize the opportunity, as there was need for local investors to take charge of their economic growth.
The minister noted the employment potential of the project, assuring that it would create jobs for Akwa Ibom youths and beyond, thereby reducing the economic hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidy, urging the host community to provide a peaceful and conducive environment to ensure the project thrives, as such large scale investments require strong local support.
On the long-term benefits of the CNG Mother Station, Ekpo assured that the project, when completed, would drastically lower gas prices, making it a viable alternative to petrol which, he noted, has surged to N900 per liter.
“This project will transform Esit Eket into an economic destination, attracting further investments and development. The project is not the issue of money, it is issue of a peaceful environment and the Federal Government is taking equity in this project and I thank him for citing this project in Esit Eket.
“It is a wonderful project that somebody has decided to release what he has and go out to beg for money to come and invest in this place. By the time this project is completed, people will no longer queue to buy fuel at high prices; they will have access to a cheaper, cleaner energy source. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that gas remains a key driver of economic growth and energy security. It is left for you to provide a conducive environment so that the project would thrive”.
The chairman and chief executive officer of Nsik Oil and Gas Company Limited, Mr. Nsikan Johnny, in his welcome remarks, described the project as a bold step towards energy security and economic empowerment which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.
Johnny said the project is not just about building a facility but about creating opportunities, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for Akwa Ibom people, and expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments, as well as all stakeholders for their unwavering support.
While highlighting the transformative impact the CNG Mother Station would have on various sectors, including transportation, industries, and domestic energy consumption, he assured that Nsik Oil and Gas is fully committed to ensuring the project benefits the local community by generating employment, empowering small businesses, and reducing energy costs.
According to him, the company envisages a future where clean energy is no longer a constraint to growth and development but a catalyst for progress.
In her remarks, on behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs. Eunice Thomas, lauded the minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekpo, for putting his efforts to ensure the realisation of the laudable project in Akwa Ibom, and the chairman and chief ecxecutive officer of Nsik Oil and Gas Company Limited, Johnny, for his initiative in establishing the 10MMSCF CNG Mother Station in the State, calling for the establishment of the daughter station for proximity.
Thomas expressed hope that the host community would give the necessary support for the project to thrive.
Giving an overview of the project alongside insights into the 10MMSCF/D CNG construction, capabilities, and its future prospects, the project consultant, Mr. Mkposong Asuquo, described the CNG Mother Station as an audacious milestone that underscores the visionary drive for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Asuquo, who saw the project as a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, assured the people of its role in enhancing energy accessibility, employment generation, and cutting-edge technology deployment.
He said the investment will make a significant contribution to employment and introduce state-of-the-art operational infrastructure to ensure seamless and efficient compression of gas, as their goal is to provide CNG to top off-takers, corporate entities, and individuals across Akwa Ibom and beyond.
Asuquo explained that Nsik Oil and Gas 10MMSCF/D CNG Mother Station will operate with four reciprocating compressors, delivering CNG into specialised tube trailers for transportation to customers, even as the facility is strategically designed to serve many States, including Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Cross River and parts of Abia.
He confirmed that all conceptual designs, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and construction licenses have been secured to carefully position the project for a smooth take-off and execution.
Stakeholders of the host community who expressed their views through the chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area, Mrs. Uduak Ikemesit Ikot, saw the project as one that would change the status of the area and the State at large.
They emphasised on the employment of youths of the local government area by the company to curb restiveness and for the security of the station, pledging their total supports for the success of Nsik Oil and Gas Company Limited in their domain.
In their separate goodwill messages at the event, the leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, and the former PDP national legal adviser, Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, said it takes courage to break frontiers, and applauded the chairman and chief executive officer of Nsik Oil and Gas Company Limited for taking the challenge, and the minister for standing by him.
According to them, the project when completed will boost the economy of the State, and also bring development to Esit Eket.
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