The Federal Government and the Imo State Government have strengthened their partnership to drive economic growth through major investments in the energy and tourism sectors, with the ANOH Gas Processing Plant increasing domestic gas production and the state’s first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel set to commence operations next month.
The projects were showcased during the South-East leg of the Renewed Hope National Media Tour, highlighting efforts to boost energy infrastructure, improve power supply, promote tourism and create employment opportunities.
Speaking during the tour of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant in Asa, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the investment aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources to diversify the economy and enhance energy security.
He noted that the 300 million standard cubic feet per day gas processing facility, a joint venture between NNPC Limited and Seplat Energy, is gradually increasing production while still undergoing its commissioning phase.
Dare also disclosed that the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, currently nearing completion, is expected to boost power generation, support industrial growth and reduce reliance on diesel across the country.
General Manager of Operations at ANOH Gas Processing Company, Amaechi Nwogbe, said discussions are ongoing with the Imo State Government through Orashi Energy to deepen collaboration in the gas sector.
He explained that although the plant has a processing capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, it is currently producing between 150 and 170 million standard cubic feet daily, supplying major industrial customers, with production expected to increase once the OB3 gas pipeline becomes fully operational.
The media team also visited the Orashi 33/11kV Injection Substation, where the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Electrification, Basil Okolie, said the facility now provides reliable electricity to most parts of New Owerri, attracting businesses and investments.
Okolie added that the state is expanding its electricity infrastructure through new transmission lines, substations and power projects made possible by the implementation of the Electricity Act and the establishment of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
In the tourism sector, Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Ernest Ibejiakor, announced that the refurbished Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel will commence operations in the second week of August.
He said the 245-room facility, the first Hilton-branded hotel in the South-East, will position Imo State as a major destination for tourism, conferences and investment, while plans are also underway to develop the River Park Resort to further boost the state’s hospitality industry.
