PHOTOS: Sylva, Kyari In Akwa Ibom To Site NNPC Logistics Base In State

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,Timipre Sylva, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, have concluded a one-day working visit to Akwa Ibom where the national oil firm has announced plans to establish an oil and gas logistic base.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that the national oil firm announced that it was partnering the Akwa Ibom State Government and the private sector to establish the logistics base in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom.

According to the NNPC, the move was part of its sustained efforts to develop capacity and grow local content in the country.

The NNPC GMD, board members of the firm and the alternate chairman of the board, Sylva, had inspected a 2000 acres of land contributed by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, for the project.

Speaking at a retreat organised by Governor Emmanuel in honour of a delegation that visited the state Saturday, Sylva  said the federal government had given the go-ahead for the establishment of the first oil and gas logistics base in the state.

“I have the full support of NNPC to announce to you that we are very interested to partner you to build a base here. It will be the first here.

“It has also approved immediate establishment of an oil and gas logistics facility in the state,” Sylva said.

He noted that the visit was a response to Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state.

“Few concerns were raised on the choice of Akwa Ibom for our retreat, but politics was not part of the consideration.

“As we go back, work will start in ernest. Mr President has already helped by signing a free trade zone status for that area.

“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,” the minister said.

Sylva also announced approval for a partnership deal for the establishment of a petroleum depot by the NNPC, saying “We request that you cooperate with the President so that the weight of governance on him would be lighter.”

The host, Governor Emmanuel, appreciated the NNPC for the planned establishment of the logistics centre, while also urging the federal government to relocate multinational oil giant, ExxonMobil, to the state.