Private Gas Plant Ready Soon –MD

A multi-billion naira gas project that would boost power
generation in the country by 1,000 Megawatts, would be ready for commissioning
by the end of the year.

The project is being executed by a consortium of private
investors which include Frontier Oil Limited, Gulf Energy Nigeria Limited and
Septa Energy Nigeria Limited, in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

Briefing the Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, in
Uyo, the Chairman of Frontier Oil Limited, Chief Odoliyi Lolomari, said that
the plant had the capacity to produce two million cubic feet of gas.

Lolomari, who led management teams of the three companies,
said that the 62-kM gas pipeline from Esit-Eket area to Ibom Power Plant and
Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), all in Ikot Abasi Local
Government Area, would also be ready.

The chairman described the plant as an important project and
a major milestone in the life of Frontier Oil Limited.

Responding, Akpabio thanked the companies for the successful
completion of the project.

“When the history of the gas project is written, it would be
stated that it was done during Akpabio administration,” the governor said.

Akpabio said that the project was strategic to the
transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the power sector.

“This is a practicable step by the private sector to look
into gas flaring; Akwa Ibom is proud to partner with you on this project.

“We will continue to encourage you. We will encourage every
private industry, at least one in every local government area, to create
employment opportunities for our children.

“We have set aside funds to encourage the private sector to
establish the industries. The oil and gas industry should also invest in other
sectors, particularly the agro-allied industry.”

The governor lauded the cordial relationship between the
companies and the host communities and urged on them to create employment
oppurtunities for indigenes of the host communities.