The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has conducted a public hearing in Abia State regarding the construction and operation of a major gas pipeline. The proposed pipeline, submitted by Kwale Pipeline Limited, aims to connect Delta, Imo, Abia, and Akwa Ibom States.
Kwale Pipeline Limited is seeking licenses for three pipeline projects. The first project involves a 24-inch by 249 km gas pipeline from the Kwale Gas Processing Plant in Delta State to the SPFL Gas and Petrochemicals Free Zone in Akwa Ibom State. The second project entails a 34-inch by 150 km gas pipeline from the Uguali facility in Imo State to the same location in Akwa Ibom State. The third project is a 10-inch by 249 km gas pipeline from the Kwale Gas Processing Plant in Delta State to the SPFL Gas and Petrochemicals Free Zone in Akwa Ibom State.
The public hearing, held in Umuahia, brought together community leaders, security agencies, government officials, and company representatives to discuss the project. According to Okorugo Aji, Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Lands, the initiative is expected to boost economic development in Abia State. Representatives of Kwale Pipeline Limited, Mrs. Nwobodo Oluchi and Mr. Anthony Asuka, assured that local communities would benefit from surveillance contracts, employment, and compensation in accordance with Nigerian laws.
Eze Ordu, representing NMDPRA, noted that the project could lead to the establishment of a gas substation in Ukwa, potentially creating hundreds of jobs for local youth. Traditional leaders, including Eze Jackson Ibe and Eze Tony Nwagbara, commended Governor Alex Otti for his achievements and called for accelerated development of Ukwa land through its rich petrogas resources.
The project’s significance lies in its potential to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities in the region. The NMDPRA’s public hearing is a crucial step in the regulatory process, allowing stakeholders to provide input and ensuring that the project is implemented in a responsible and sustainable manner. As the project moves forward, it is likely to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
