The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has rejected allegations by Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) of lopsided distribution of employment opportunities in Akwa Ibom’s oil and gas sector.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, Ekpo said the document on which MMI based its allegation did not originate from his office.
He said the document carried neither the official letterhead nor seal of his office and therefore could not be authenticated as an official communication from him.
The Minister expressed disappointment that MMI, which he described as an organisation committed to peace and unity, would base its allegation on an unverified document.
Ekpo, however, said he continued to respect the organisation and recognised its role in the socio-cultural development of Akwa Ibom.
The Minister said his record in public service demonstrated that he had never allowed ethnicity or political affiliation to determine his responsibilities.
He pointed to several projects and interventions he said were facilitated for the benefit of people across Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the Federal Government’s recent grassroots LPG intervention in the state delivered 27,000 gas cylinders across all 31 local government areas.
He added that 3,000 beneficiaries received ₦100,000 each, amounting to ₦300 million, to support livelihoods and small businesses.
Ekpo also cited the development of CNG infrastructure in the state, including mother and daughter stations and conversion facilities.
He said a CNG daughter station at the University of Uyo was ready for inauguration in October.
The Minister further disclosed that he secured ₦20 billion in MDGIF financing for Nsik Oil and Gas Limited’s 10 MMSCF/D gas mother station in Esit Eket.
He also listed Guelph Gas Limited’s 3 MMSCF/D CNG mother station and two daughter stations in Ibesikpo Asutan, with the projects collectively valued at about ₦16 billion.
Ekpo said the projects were expected to create hundreds of jobs, reduce transportation costs and improve energy security when completed in 2027.
He also highlighted Windek Energy Limited’s 20,000-metric-tonne LPG depot at Atabrikang-Aquaha in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
According to him, the facility will strengthen LPG storage and distribution while creating employment opportunities.
The Minister further referenced a $3.5 billion gas infrastructure and industrialisation agreement involving the Akwa Ibom State Government, NNPC Limited and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria.
He also said, through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), he facilitated modern ICT centres in several communities across the state.
On political representation, Ekpo said several people outside his senatorial district had benefited from appointments and opportunities linked to his office.
He specifically mentioned Edet Ubong of Uyo Local Government Area, who was appointed to the Governing Council of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund by President Bola Tinubu.
Others, he said, included Kufre Sam of Eket as Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Odiong Ekanem of Itu as Technical Adviser on NNPC Ltd Relations, Blessing Samuel of Uyo as Chief of Protocol and Ubong Umana of Esit Eket as Protocol Officer.
Ekpo accused MMI of ignoring these interventions while quickly relying on what he described as an unverified, internet-sourced list to accuse his office of discrimination.
He urged the organisation to uphold the ideals of its founding fathers and avoid narratives capable of promoting ethnic suspicion and division.
The Minister also called on socio-cultural organisations in Akwa Ibom to support efforts to maintain peace and unity in the state.
Ekpo reaffirmed his commitment to working with Governor Umo Eno and other stakeholders to promote the development and wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people.
He also said he remained open to constructive engagement with MMI and other groups committed to the peace, unity and development of the state.
