Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Honourable Minister of State for Gas and Petroleum Resources, stated that the country is fully ready to take full benefits of its energy reserves which has been inactive for years, to end the current hardship in Nigeria. This was made known by the Minister after the ceremony of his swearing-in, which was conducted by the Nigerian President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He mentioned that the President’s ingenuity in the establishment of the Ministry of Gas Resources, showed that President Tinubu is prepared to explore many rich resources of Nigeria.
Exploring these resources will serve as an advantage to the Economy of the nation beyond crude oil. According to the former national lawmaker, his study showed that a small 1.7 percent of the gas reserves of the country have been used. Hence, he has called for partnership with critical stakeholders and his ministry in order to use the full potential of the petroleum and gas sector. He thanked Mr. President for the recognition and his ingenuity in the creation of the ministry of gas resources that has been inactive for years. The advantages embedded in this sector can develop the fortunes of the economy in Nigeria.
Utilization of these resources will change the economy completely.
He said that the ministry is established for gas as a part of petroleum resources. According to his study, he highlighted that the country rests on 280 trillion standard cubit feet of gas, which is more than $800 billion. The utilization of these resources will change the economy completely. The country has only used 1.7 percent of this resource, showing that the ministry has not fully harnessed the potential of the sector. In addition, foreign Investors will be attracted to the gas revolution by the ministry for productivity, taking intentional steps to reduce the economic hardship in Nigerians.
Nigerians are experiencing economic hardship, but this revolution will create businesses and job opportunities that will be accessible to all Nigerians, with huge benefits and availability of energy. Nigerians were implored by the Honourable Minister to stay hopeful and be patient with the current administration, stating that the plan of the government is to promote the prosperity and progress of Nigerians. He added that patience with Mr. President is very important and it is essential that all Nigerians bear with the leadership system in the country.
Major concentration on crude oil caused gas reserves to be ignored.
Ekperikpe said that Mr. President has decided to make sure that the country system is stable and functioning properly. His determination is apparent in the appointment of vibrant and young ministers who were appointed to execute and fulfil his vision. The plan of the president is structured and is aligned with the policy of the country to restore the country to its rightful position. He mentioned that his appointment as a minister is a unification of the people and the state, Akwa Ibom. This unification is to empower the government and ensure rewards for all efforts.
President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that the huge opportunities in the gas sector has been ignored by the country. This is as a result of major concentration on crude oil. He said that Mr. President created the ministry after recognition of the massive resources in the sector. World powers like the UK, China, Russia, the US and others are focusing on gas exploration, and Nigeria should be involved too. Ekperikpe has organised a team of experienced and professional advisers in sector. One of the advisers used to be a managing director of Haliburton.
45 ministers were sworn-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Furthermore, Akpabio stated that the National Assembly will not cease to support President Tinubu to ensure that his promises and vision are fulfilled. 45 ministers were sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other high-ranking dignitaries who will oversee the ministries of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The newly sworn-in ministers were charged by President Tinubu to work as ministers of Nigeria, developing and uplifting the country by ensuring the Security and safety of all citizens in the country.
