Governor Calls for Inclusion of Akwa Ibom Indigenes in NCDMB
The Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo for Gas and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri for Oil, have praised the leadership and developmental achievements of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, describing them as visionary and impactful beyond the borders of the State.
The commendations came during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Uyo, by the Ministers and the Governing Board of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, who are in the State for a retreat.
Obongemem Ekpo expressed delight that the NCDMB Retreat was hosted in Akwa Ibom, noting that no other location in Nigeria could have provided a more peaceful and serene atmosphere. He stated that the choice reflected the calm and development-focused leadership of Governor Eno.
Ekpo explained that the NCDMB, with its headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, is responsible for promoting local content and regulating the activities of companies operating within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Senator Lokpobiri, in his remarks, said he was pleased that Akwa Ibom has become a preferred destination for corporate retreats across the country. He revealed that the retreat was initially planned for Abuja, but the Board later opted for Akwa Ibom due to its peaceful environment and impressive infrastructure, which he credited to the Governor’s visionary leadership.
Lokpobiri commended Governor Eno for sustaining peace in the State and for expanding its infrastructure. He observed that Akwa Ibom has been fortunate to have successive leaders who have made meaningful contributions to its growth. He also lauded the Governor’s calm disposition, unity-driven approach, and strong sense of vision.
Speaking on the NCDMB’s role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Lokpobiri highlighted that over the past 15 years, the Board has successfully built strong local capacity to bridge the gap left by the exit of some foreign oil companies.
In his response, Governor Eno thanked the Ministers and the NCDMB Board for choosing Akwa Ibom as the venue for the retreat. He appealed for greater inclusion of qualified Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Board and its management.
“We have noticed that our sons and daughters are not adequately represented in the NCDMB. We are also part of the local content that the Board seeks to promote. Our people should be given opportunities to contribute their skills and add value to the organisation,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the NCDMB in advancing the nation’s oil and gas development.
He congratulated Obongemem Ekpo on his recent election as President of the Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and commended Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Limited, on his election as Secretary-General of the Forum.
The Governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the petroleum sector and for the donation of a power plant to boost oxygen production at the State’s hospital.
Governor Eno outlined his administration’s vision to transform Akwa Ibom into a major tourism hub through projects such as the ARISE Resort, a 5,000-seat Ibom Convention Centre, a 200-room 14-storey Ibom International Hotel, and the Ibom Shopping City.
He said these developments would enhance the State’s hospitality and leisure appeal for both tourists and investors.
Present during the visit were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council, and other senior government officials.
