By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government has sealed a deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, and Solutions Hub Limited for the establishment of a full-service onshore logistics base for marine construction support in the state.
The logistics base, proposed to be sited on a 40 square kilometers space on Ibaka, Mbo Local Council within the already designated free trade zone in the state, is modeled to be an alternative to existing logistics bases in Nigeria to offer the offshore construction support to West & Central African regions.
Governor Udom Emmanuel, speaking during the signing of the MOU in Uyo last weekend, expressed the pleasure of the state government over the Ibom Solutions Hub partnership deal and assured of support for the execution and completion of the project.
Emmanuel congratulated the NNPC on its new status as a Public Limited Liability Company and expressed optimism that the new management would deploy the right business orientation into the company for timely delivery of desired returns.
He therefore sued for expedition of the process to bring gas onshore and other necessary actions by the NNPC towards the actualization of the Amonia Fertilizer Plant in the state and tasked the NNPC delegation on the need to utilize the resources to address Nigeria’s need in the power and agriculture sectors, especially in the face of impending food crisis.
“I am happy that at a time like this NNPC now being a limited liability company, things will be different.
The business approach, the speed in execution will be different because the focus is different, then people who are on the board, with the right corporate governance and risk management structure will be able to deliver on the much expected returns”, he stated.
“On the Ibom Solutions Hub I am giving you a hundred percent assurance that it will be a hitch-free project. Nobody will disturb this project. Hindrance will not come from the state, the host community or any part of Akwa Ibom at all.” The Governor explained.
Earlier, the Chairman, Board of Directors, NNPC Limited, Senator Margery Okadigbo, said that NNPC’s commitment to the pact with Ibom Solution Hub and other partners signaled a new phase of tapping into the potentials and opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
Okadigbo expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his approvals and to the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State for their invaluable support and hospitality, without which the project would not have commenced.
She noted that investment at the Ibom Solutions Hub would add socio-economic value to the host communities and the state at large.
Chairman of Mbo, Mr Asuquo Eyo, on behalf of the host communities, lauded the Governor for prevailing peace in the state and which has created the investment friendly atmosphere that the communities have benefitted from.
