The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on the private sector to invest in natural gas facilities to drive industrial growth across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
During a meeting with the leadership of 3W Alliance Limited and the managing director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority on Wednesday, Ekpo emphasized the need for collaboration to develop international industrial parks across the country.
The minister expressed support for the development of an industrial park in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, powered by natural gas, which is expected to attract medium-scale investors and create job opportunities for youths, according to Leadership.
Ekpo assured foreign partners and financiers of the safety and security of their investments in Nigeria and promised necessary support from the ministry and regulatory agencies.
He also appealed for patience and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to address socio-economic challenges, urging Nigerians to shun violent protests and encourage investments that create jobs.
“I understand that you did not go into the details of this project because you needed approval first, so I want to tell you that approval is automatically granted to you to embark on this project.
“The president has created amicable policies and reforms to attract investments into the country, and now I will appeal to us to talk to our brothers and sisters from all parts of the country for us to forget about the issue of protest: protest will draw us backwards,” said Ekpo.
“We met Nigeria at a bleeding point, but I want to state that the reforms that are going on in the country are geared towards making Nigeria a better place for all of us tomorrow. We should be peaceful and shun violent protests. Let us encourage the President and give him the chance and also give investors the chance to come in and invest and create jobs for our citizens,” Ekpo added.
