Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), says communities in the Niger Delta will become protectors of oil and gas assets if they see real benefits.
Ekpo spoke at the Niger Delta oil and gas investment and security summit, according to a statement by Louis Mbah, the minister’s spokesperson.
The minister expressed concern over the sabotage of oil and gas assets, cautioning that oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and sabotage threaten not only revenue but also investor confidence.
Represented by Abel Nsa, his senior technical adviser, the minister said constructive engagement with host communities must remain central to attract and sustain economic projects.
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“When host communities see real benefit: jobs, schools, clinics, infrastructure, and dividends from Host Community Development Trusts, they will become protectors, not saboteurs, of oil and gas assets,” Ekpo said.
The government official described the gas-to-methanol projects as a new pathway for Nigeria’s economic prosperity, highlighting their vast potential to drive growth and development in the country.
Ekpo said with more than 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves and about 600 trillion cubic feet in potential reserves, Nigeria holds a strong position as a gas-driven nation.
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“One of the most exciting opportunities for Nigeria lies in gas-to-methanol projects,” he said.
“Methanol, a versatile industrial chemical used in various industries, is a critical industrial chemical, used in plastics, paints, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and as an emerging clean fuel.”
He explained that in 2021, the federal government declared 2021 to 2030 as Nigeria’s “decade of gas”, a bold national strategy aimed at shifting from crude oil reliance to full utilisation of abundant natural gas resources.
The minister also highlighted the gas flare commercialisation programme, “which has converted 48 flare sites into viable projects for LPG, power, and petrochemicals, as one of the sector’s achievements”.
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Ekpo pointed out that Cross River, with its strategic location and industrial base, is positioned to attract methanol projects.
He said developing such methanol plants would generate employment, foster technology transfer, and establish the state as a hub for gas-based industrialisation.
Ekpo said the federal government remains committed to supporting initiatives that will make Calabar and Cross River a true centre for gas industrialisation, methanol production, and regional exports.
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