As a boost to its plan of extending natural gas infrastructure beyond Lagos to other parts of Nigeria, Oando Gas and Power has secured the Right of Way (ROW) approval from the Akwa Ibom State Government for the construction of its 128km South East gas pipeline project from Ukanafun in the state to Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State. The ROW within the Akwa Ibom state boundary is approximately 80km out of the total 128km for the project.
Already, East Horizon Gas Company, the subsidiary of Oando handling the project, has achieved over 15 kilometers of pipeline construction within the Cross river state boundary. In November, 2008, the Cross River State Government gave approval for the Right of Way after which East Horizon immediately commenced work.
With the Akwa Ibom State ROW approval, Oando Gas and Power is therefore set to commence construction activities in Akwa Ibom State in time for the planned year end project delivery target.
Commenting on the ROW approval, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya, Chief Executive Officer, Oando Gas and Power said, “We are very pleased with the Akwa Ibom ROW approval as it now positions us to meet our target to delivering gas to United Cement Company (UNICEM) and other customers by year end”.
The Oando South East Gas Pipeline project will connect to the existing Obigbo-ALSCON line at Ukanafun Local Government of Akwa Ibom State and will run about 128 km through Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. The pipeline project will involve major civil engineering works as it crosses eight major rivers and some swamp locations before terminating at the new United Cement Company factory (UNICEM), located at Mfamosing, near Calabar.
Also commenting, Mr. Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive said, “The companies in the South East region are now assured of world class and cost effective natural energy solutions with this infrastructural investment. We intend to repeat these feats elsewhere as we aggressively seek other franchises in other parts of Nigeria and the West African sub-region”.
Commenting further, Mr. Osunsanya said, “We have been operating in Lagos under high safety conditions. I can also assure you that we will be executing the best of safety and environment-friendly programmes just as we did in the Lagos pipeline project. But most importantly, we shall be radically cutting energy cost for companies in this region in the nearest future”.
Natural gas is the most attractive energy source in the world today and offers itself as a cheaper, cleaner and safer alternative, when compared to other sources of energy. It is also an energy source whose usage is increasing because of its unique qualities, in terms of safety, reliability, cost and environmental friendliness
