The Imo State Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, through its Commissioner, Barrister Emeka Mgbudem, has announced substantial advancements in securing the state’s energy needs. In a statement released today, the Commissioner provided a detailed update on ongoing energy projects and addressed concerns regarding misinformation circulating online.

New Gas Infrastructure for Imo State

A significant highlight of the statement was the announcement of a new 5 million standard cubic feet (mscf) Mother Station in Assa, which is set to be operational within the next 10 months. This station will play a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of Imo State, particularly in supplying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Additionally, Barrister Mgbudem revealed that negotiations with five other companies are currently underway, aimed at finalizing feedstock and delivery terms to further enhance the state’s energy capabilities.

“We are pleased to announce that a 5mscf Mother Station will be operational in Assa within the next 10 months. Additionally, five other companies are in negotiations for feedstock and delivery terms, which will further satisfy our CNG and LPG requirements,” Mgbudem stated. He also highlighted that the state has secured sufficient feedstock from Anoh Gas to meet domestic power and industrial demands, positioning Imo State as a key player in regional energy development.

Response to Misleading Claims on Gas Pipeline Projects

Addressing a misleading video that has been circulating online, Commissioner Mgbudem firmly debunked the false claims made regarding the progress of the Nigerian-European Gas Pipeline. He called out the video as a “puppet’s imagination” aimed at creating confusion among the public.

The propagandists behind the video erroneously claimed that the Nigerian-European Gas Pipeline was nearing completion. However, Mgbudem clarified that there are two major gas pipeline projects linking Nigeria to Europe, both of which are far from completion:

1. The Trans-Saharan Pipeline, first proposed in 1970, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between NNPC and Algeria’s Sonatrach in 2002. The project, originally scheduled for completion in 2030, has faced significant delays.
2. The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, proposed in 2016 by NNPC and Morocco’s National Board of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM). Although feasibility studies began in 2017 and front-end engineering was contracted to Penspen in 2019, this project does not have a Final Investment Decision (FID) and is unlikely to be completed before 2049 due to technical and financial challenges.

“These are projects that long predated Senator Hope Uzodimma’s emergence as the Governor of Imo State,” Mgbudem emphasized. He criticized the political actors behind the misinformation, stating, “It is disheartening when political actors engage in mendacity and atrocious behavior simply because they have lost the ball.”

Governor Uzodimma’s Commitment to Gas Infrastructure Development

Mgbudem also highlighted Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to advancing gas infrastructure in the South East region. Despite political distractions and falsehoods circulating in the media, the governor is “laser-focused” on ensuring that the people of Imo State and the entire region benefit from the development and utilization of gas resources.

Governor Uzodimma’s administration has been actively working on securing projects that will provide long-term energy solutions for the state, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability. “Rest assured, we remain committed to transparent communication and will continue to provide updates on our progress in the energy sector,” Mgbudem concluded.

The Importance of Gas Infrastructure for Imo’s Economic Growth

The development of the gas sector is seen as a cornerstone for the economic growth of Imo State, as gas is vital for both power generation and industrial development. The operationalization of the new gas station in Assa, along with ongoing negotiations with key energy companies, signals a transformative period for the state’s energy sector. By focusing on securing reliable feedstock and building essential infrastructure, Imo is positioning itself as a hub for energy production in the South East.

Conclusion

Imo State is making substantial progress in the energy sector under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development. As the state moves forward with the construction of a new gas station and strengthens partnerships with energy providers, it is clear that the administration is committed to meeting the energy needs of its people and fostering long-term economic development. Despite attempts at political sabotage, the state government remains focused on delivering sustainable solutions that will benefit its citizens for years to come.