25/07/2025
IMO STATE SHALL RISE AGAIN
ANOH Gas Plant: West Africa’s Premier Gas Development in Imo State
Imo State, Nigeria, has emerged as a cornerstone of West Africa’s energy landscape with the establishment of the ANOH Gas Plant, the region’s largest gas processing facility. This strategic development is underpinned by several key factors that highlight Imo’s unique position and potential.
1. Abundant Gas Reserves Fueling Imo’s Energy Potential
Imo State boasts some of the richest onshore gas reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Assa North–Ohaji South (ANOH) field alone is estimated to hold between 4.3 and 5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas, with additional significant reserves in areas such as Egbema, Obitti, and Izombe. This wealth of gas and condensate resources positions Imo as a vital energy hub on the continent.
2. Strategic Proximity to Gas Sources Enhances Efficiency
The ANOH Gas Plant’s location near the wellhead eliminates the need for extensive pipelines to transport raw gas, significantly reducing construction and transportation costs. This proximity enables faster processing and delivery, optimizing the project’s economic and operational viability.
3. Geographic Advantage for National Gas Distribution
Imo’s strategic location bridges the South-South, South-East, and North-Central regions of Nigeria. It seamlessly connects to the OB3 gas trunkline, facilitating gas distribution to Edo, Kogi, and Abuja, as well as powering stations in Aba, Alaoji, Rivers, and Kaduna. Additionally, its proximity to export terminals via the Rivers and Delta corridors enhances its role as a national gas distribution nexus.
4. Alignment with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Vision
As Nigeria pivots from crude oil to cleaner natural gas, the ANOH Gas Plant plays a pivotal role in the country’s Decade of Gas initiative. This facility supports industrial growth, boosts electricity generation, and provides liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for sustainable cooking, positioning Imo at the heart of Nigeria’s energy future.
5. Favorable Conditions for Construction
The ANOH Gas Plant benefits from Imo’s land-based gas zones, characterized by dry, stable terrain—a stark contrast to the swampy conditions in Delta or Bayelsa. The cooperative host communities in Ohaji/Egbema and Assa, combined with robust support from the state government, have ensured a swift and secure construction process.
6. Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
The plant integrates with existing assets, including the OB3 pipeline, the national grid, access roads, and logistics hubs. Its proximity to operational oil fields managed by Shell, Seplat, and other stakeholders further enhances its efficiency, offering a comprehensive package of gas reserves, land, peace, and connectivity.
Project Details
The ANOH Gas Plant is currently in the commissioning stage, with commercial production expected to commence in 2025. This ambitious project is being developed by the ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC), a joint venture between Seplat Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with upstream operations supported by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Imo State’s unique combination of vast gas reserves, strategic location, supportive infrastructure, and collaborative governance has made it the ideal site for this transformative project. The ANOH Gas Plant not only underscores Imo’s rise as a gas powerhouse but also propels Nigeria toward a sustainable energy future.
May Imo State continue to thrive and contribute to national prosperity.
