The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has held a public hearing in Abia State on the application submitted by a company to construct and operate a major gas pipeline that will link Delta, Imo, Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
Kwale Pipeline Limited is seeking licenses for three pipeline projects: 24-inch by 249 km gas pipeline from Kwale Gas Processing Plant in Delta State to Aja Energy FZE at the SPFL Gas and Petrochemicals Free Zone in Akwa Ibom State.
It is also seeking to build 34-inch by 150 km gas pipeline from Uguali facility in Imo State to Aja Energy FZE in Akwa Ibom State, and a 10-inch by 249 km gas pipeline from Kwale Gas Processing Plant in Delta State to Aja Energy FZE in Akwa Ibom State.
The hearing which took place in Umuahia, brought together community leaders where the pipeline would pass, security agencies, government officials and company representatives.
The Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Lands, Okorugo Aji who spoke on behalf of Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, said the initiative would open up economic development of Abia State.
In their own speeches, representatives of Kwale Pipeline Limited, Mrs Nwobodo Oluchi and Mr Anthony Asuka pledged that local communities would benefit from surveillance contracts, employment, and compensation in line with Nigerian laws.
NMDPRA’s representative, Eze Ordu, noted that the project could attract the establishment of a gas substation in Ukwa, potentially creating hundreds of jobs for local youth.
Traditional leader of Umunteke autonomous community, Eze Jackson Ibe and Eze Tony Nwagbara of Ohambele autonomous community, commended Governor Alex Otti for his achievements and called for accelerated development of Ukwa land through her rich petrogas resources.
