The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has conducted a public hearing in Umuahia, Abia State, to consider an application by Kwale Pipeline Limited for the construction and operation of three major gas pipelines spanning four southern states.
The proposed infrastructure includes:
- A 24-inch, 249-kilometre pipeline from the Kwale Gas Processing Plant in Delta State to Aja Energy FZE in the SPFL Gas and Petrochemicals Free Zone, Akwa Ibom State.
- A 34-inch, 150-kilometre pipeline linking the Uguali facility in Imo State to the same terminal in Akwa Ibom.
- A third 10-inch, 249-kilometre pipeline also originating from Kwale to Aja Energy FZE.
The hearing brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, security agencies, and representatives of Kwale Pipeline Limited, to discuss the social, economic, and environmental implications of the project.
Local Leaders See Opportunity for Economic Growth
Speaking on behalf of the Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, the Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Lands, Okorugo Aji, described the project as a welcome development that could unlock new economic opportunities for the state.
“This initiative stands to open up Abia’s economic potential and attract much-needed investment to our communities,” Aji said.
Representatives of Kwale Pipeline Limited, Nwobodo Oluchi and Anthony Asuka, assured the gathering that the host communities would not be left behind. They highlighted plans to engage locals through employment, surveillance contracts, and statutory compensation, all in line with Nigerian laws.
Gas Substation Planned for Ukwa, Hundreds of Jobs Expected
Eze Ordu, who represented NMDPRA at the hearing, noted that the proposed pipelines could catalyse the creation of a gas substation in Ukwa, potentially providing hundreds of new jobs for local youth and spurring industrial growth in the region.
