Oil & Gas industry stakeholders converge on Akwa Ibom

As top echelons of the Oil and Gas Industry converge on Akwa Ibom State for Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair 2017, the State Governor Udom Emmanuel has advocated the hosting of the fair in Nigeria to promote local content and conserve funds expended in participating in the Exhibition held overseas countries which had been the norm over the years. 

Governor Emmanuel stated this during a State Banquet organised in honour of the participants at the Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair 2017, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo. 

He made a case for the establishment of a logistics centre to refine Aviation fuel so as to reduce the prevailing capital flight occasioned by importation of the product from technologically advanced countries. 

He explained that the logistics centre which would serve as a hub for petrochemical industries would also redirect traffic of Airplanes which stop over to refuel at cape venue, to Nigeria, and also fetch more foreign income to boost the country’s economy.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu for approving the establishment of modular refinery in the state and commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for hosting the maiden edition of the oil and gas fair in Akwa Ibom State. 

He assured that the state is prepared to partner with international oil corporations in the provision of training opportunities for youths in the country.

Earlier, the Minister explained that the vision of the present administration is to clear bureaucratic bottlenecks, institute private sector-driven economy and promote local content development in the oil and gas industry for sustainability.

He emphasised the need for highly cerebral persons to be elected into positions of Authorities irrespective of political platforms and commended Governor Emmanuel for the visionary leadership which he said would transform the state to an Industrial hub in the continent. 

Personalities at the event include former Governor Arch. Obong Victor Attah, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga,  Senator Bassey Albert, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, Secretary Nigeria  Content Monitoring  Board Engr. Simbi Wabote, Engr.  Akan Udofia, Udom Inoyo, Senator Effiong Bob, Senator  Anietie Okon,  Senator Emmanuel Ibiok Essien and distinguished Akwa Ibom sons and daughters of the state.