The Anambra State Government says the state is home to one of the largest natural gas deposits in West Africa, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, made the disclosure while receiving members of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Awka-Owerri Chapter, during a courtesy visit to his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.
Professor Ofoegbu said the vast gas reserves are located within the Anambra Basin and noted that the incorporation of Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited, alongside technical support from NAPE, would enable the state to harness its energy resources for economic growth and sustainable development.
He explained that the initiative aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of leveraging the state’s natural resources to drive industrialisation, investment and economic transformation.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, expressed confidence that Anambra has the potential to emerge as a major force in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He called on NAPE to partner with the state in unlocking its energy resources for the benefit of the people.
Earlier, the Coordinator of NAPE Awka-Owerri Chapter, Dr. Ifeanyi Chinwuko, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the exploration and development of oil and gas resources across the South-East.
He congratulated Professor Ofoegbu on his appointment and assured the state government of the association’s technical support in developing Anambra’s petroleum and gas potential.
The visit ended with the presentation of gifts to the commissioner in recognition of his contributions to the geosciences profession and leadership in the state’s petroleum and mineral resources sector.
