The Edo State Government says it is seeking local and international partnerships to fully harness the state’s abundant gas reserves for industrialization and economic growth. Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this during a high-level energy roundtable held in Benin City on Monday, themed “Edo Gas Future: Unlocking the State’s Energy Wealth.”
The Governor said Edo has one of the largest proven onshore gas deposits in Southern Nigeria and intends to use it to drive power generation, manufacturing, and transportation. “Our vision is to turn Edo into a clean energy hub — providing gas for domestic use, industries, and power generation. This is key to achieving economic sovereignty,” he stated.
Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Engr. Victor Igbinedion, said the state is in talks with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as well as private sector investors, to establish modular gas processing plants and compressed natural gas (CNG) distribution hubs.
Energy experts at the meeting commended the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on crude oil.
The move aligns with the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” policy, aimed at transitioning Nigeria toward sustainable energy utilization. Edo’s gas master plan is expected to create over 10,000 jobs within its first phase.
