The Federal Government has approved the immediate establishment of an oil and gas logistic facility in Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva said this during a gala night organised by the Akwa Ibom State Government to honour the delegation of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry that was in the state over the weekend for a major oil and gas sector retreat.
Sylva also announced the approval of a partnership deal for the establishment of a petroleum depot by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the state.
He encouraged the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to set up a team to work with the NNPC in drawing up modalities for the collaboration.
He mentioned that the visit was in response to the governor’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state.
“We want to send a message to the rest of the states, that there is something to be gained in maintaining peace.
“Few concerns were raised on the choice of Akwa Ibom for our retreat, but politics was not part of the consideration.
“I have the full support of NNPC to announce to you that we are very interested in partner with you to build a base here. It will be the first here.
“As we go back, work will start in earnest. Mr President has already helped by signing a free trade zone status for that area.
“We are happy that we came here. We had a very fruitful deliberations and we were very satisfied.
“We went all the way to Ibaka, a very interesting and painstaking journey. Some people in my team were excited because it was a rare experience using the boats,” he stated.
Speaking on the 21 Storey Smart Building being built by the governor, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said the NNPC was already considering taking some aspects of the corporation for accommodation in the building.
Earlier, Governor Emmanuel had appreciated the planned NNPC oil and gas logistic centre for the state, and urged that the groundbreaking ceremony for the centre be done in September to mark the State’s 33rd anniversary.
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