Tensions have escalated in Rivers State as the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation in Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas (LGAs) protests the planned relocation of the $550 million Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)/TotalEnergies Ubeta Gas Project to Obite, a community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
The Ekpeye people, who are the original hosts of the gas-rich Ubeta area, expressed outrage over alleged plans to divert the project’s infrastructure to Obite. Community leaders argue that despite the federal government’s initial designation of Ubeta for the project, certain interest groups are pushing to reroute gas pipelines away from the community, depriving them of critical economic and social benefits.
At a press briefing on Thursday, traditional rulers, including His Imperial Majesty Eze Sir (Amb) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, Akalaka XII, and His Royal Highness Eze Dr. Chigemerem David, voiced unified opposition. They vowed that the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation would not allow the project to be relocated and would resist any attempts to divert resources away from their community.
Ubeta Gas Project: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Energy Sector
The Ubeta Field Development Project, under Oil Mining Licence (OML) 058, is poised to produce 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) with production slated to begin in 2027. Once operational, the facility will supply gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train-7 Project at Finima, Bonny Island, which is currently expanding its capacity from 22 to 30 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa).
The Ekpeye community has emphasized the strategic importance of the Ubeta project to Nigeria’s energy security and the potential socio-economic benefits it holds for the host communities. They argue that relocating the project would not only undermine these benefits but also marginalize a region already grappling with underdevelopment.
A United Front Against Relocation
In a strongly worded resolution, signed by His Imperial Majesty Eze Sir (Amb) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, Akalaka XII, His Royal Highness Eze Dr. Chigemerem David, Eze Emene Echi Ubie I (Secretary, Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs), and Dr. Michael U. Nyemenim (President General, Uzugbani Ekpeye), the community unequivocally rejected any plans to transfer the gas project.
“The Ubeta Gas Project shall be built at Ubeta Community or elsewhere in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation,” the resolution declared, underscoring the community’s commitment to safeguarding its rightful stake in the project.
While the Ekpeye people expressed gratitude to the federal government for approving the project, they insisted that any relocation would be met with fierce resistance, calling on authorities to honor the original plans and prioritize the interests of the host communities.
The unfolding situation highlights the growing tensions between host communities and corporate entities over resource allocation and project siting, raising broader questions about equity and fairness in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
