ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited (AGPC) has intensified stakeholder engagement across host communities and government institutions as part of efforts to reinforce operational stability and deepen partnerships critical to the company’s gas operations. 

During several strategic visits to different communities in Imo State, James Makinde, managing director of AGPC, reiterated his decision to uphold the mandate of his predecessor as he continues to build on the existing relationship ignited by his predecessor. 

Makinde’s engagements, which mark his first series of official interactions since assuming office, spanned meetings with community leaders, the Imo State government, and traditional authorities in Assa Kingdom, host to the ANOH gas processing facility.

“Our ability to operate safely and sustainably depends on the peace, trust, and partnership we build together,” he said in a statement, noting that early engagement was necessary to understand community expectations and align on shared development priorities.

The meeting provided a platform for community leaders to present concerns, while AGPC outlined ongoing interventions under its Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework, including initiatives aimed at boosting local participation and delivering socio-economic benefits.

In a separate engagement, Makinde paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, where he highlighted the importance of government collaboration in optimising plant performance and ensuring efficient operations.

“My predecessor laid a solid foundation. My role is to build on that, optimise capacity and deliver greater value, which requires strong partnerships with government and stakeholders,” he said.

Read also: Nigeria’s April inflation: What analysts expect ahead of NBS release

The commissioner commended AGPC’s community-focused approach, describing it as a model within the oil and gas sector, particularly for its direct engagement strategy and impact-driven initiatives.

He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting AGPC’s operations through infrastructure development and broader plans to establish an energy corridor to attract investment.

Makinde’s outreach extended to traditional leadership, with a visit to Emmanuel Assor, the Paramount Ruler of Assa Kingdom, where he reiterated the company’s commitment to continuity and improved community relations.

He disclosed that although gas production commenced on January 16, 2026, the plant is currently operating at about 25 percent capacity due to third-party constraints, with efforts underway alongside government stakeholders to resolve the issues.

The monarch reaffirmed community support for the project, describing AGPC as integral to local development, while also highlighting priority needs such as enhanced security infrastructure.

Across all engagements, both the company and stakeholders emphasised the need for sustained dialogue, transparency, and collaboration to ensure long-term value creation, energy security, and shared prosperity in the region.

More from our Energy Column

Feyishola Jaiyesimi is a journalist at BusinessDay Media with over two years reporting experience. She began her journalism career as an agricultural reporter and now covers the energy sector, including oil, gas, electricity, environment, and renewables. She has been selected for professional training by the US Consulate, Lagos. She is a 2025 Dataphyte Biodiversity Reporting Fellow. Feyishola holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Environmental Biology from Ekiti State University.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp