The Vintage Express Newspaper

15/06/2026

Obongemem Ekpo: Using Performance To Silence Detractors

By Imo- Obong Mfon

In a rational environment, prior to offering criticism, an individual would first assess the topic at hand, acknowledge its beneficial aspects, identify areas of inadequacy or neglect, and provide constructive and meaningful recommendations aimed at enhancing effectiveness.

Conversely, in our society, what is often labeled as criticism tends to be a calculated insult, a twisting of truths, and derogatory name-calling. It represents a strategic effort to undermine a leader, invalidate his or her achievements, and subtly provoke the populace against that leader.

This type of attack frequently occurs during election seasons. It is a blatant smear campaign often funded by politicians aiming to undermine their rivals. Regrettably, this form of mental upheaval has taken center stage in our state, leading many to characterize it as a fragmented society perpetually in conflict with itself.

On numerous occasions, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,Gas, has been subjected to these attacks. More often, those targeting him lack an understanding of the responsibilities associated with a ministerial position and evaluate his performance based solely on their limited perspective.

As a result, they mistakenly compare his role to that of elected officials, accusing him of failing to conduct constituency briefings, empower his constituents, or secure projects for his State.

It is important to clarify that a minister does not have the authority to allocate constituency funds or projects. The role of a minister is to interpret and carry out the vision set by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The President ultimately decides where projects are to be located, not the minister. Consequently, any benefits or support a minister provides to his people are as a result of the President's generosity.

In a watered opinionated article by one, MistaGentle Samuel (GGA), a self acclaimed social media influencer,, he noted that because the price of gas has jumped from 400 to 2500, "Ekperikpe Ekpo should take responsibility for his poor performance and consider stepping aside if he cannot provide the leadership and results that Nigerians expect and deserve.'

This lopsided writeup, has clearly confirmed my earlier position that many of the Minister's critics, lack knowledge of what the ministry is doing and is all about as well as what is happening within and outside Nigeria.

It is quite absurd to claim that Obongemem Ekpo has not been effective since taking office, and even suggested that he should step aside because the price of cooking gas as gone up and what happens when the price comes down?

With this , the author has demonstrated a lack of understanding and has highlighted his own ignorance while attempting to position himself as both an advocate and a judge on a subject he clearly lacks knowledge about.

Unarguably, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo is widely regarded as one of the top-performing Ministers in the current Federal government.

Records indicate that he has diligently played a crucial role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of leveraging Nigeria's abundant gas resources to promote socio-economic development and prosperity within the country.
His steadfast commitment and dedication have earned him accolades from not only the President but also from other prominent Nigerians.

Highlighting some of the achievements of his ministry recently , Ekpo noted that his ministry has efficiently utilized savings from fuel subsidy removal and strategically redirecting such funds into infrastructure projects, such as the Ajoakuta-Kaduna- Kano( AKK) and OB3 gas pipeline networks and expanding CNG and LPG infrastructure across the country.

He explained that the OB3 gas pipeline project is designed to transport natural gas from the Eastern part of Nigeria to the Western region. This, he maintained will enable the supply of gas to power plants, industries, and homes in the West thereby stimulating growth and development.

He explained further that the AKK pipeline project spanning 614 kilometers will enhance gas supply to key industrial and commercial hubs across Nigeria.

He noted that the 2.8 billion dollars initiative is to stimulate industrialization, create jobs and attract investments in manufacturing and power generation.

In a bid to make gas easily accessible in the Country, Obongemem Ekpo stated that the focus of his ministry has shifted towards harnessing our vast reserves on non-associated gas , which the nation is well endowed with.

On support for local manufacturers and boosting LPG, CNG pe*******on, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) has supported local manufacturing of gas-related equipment and deploying resources for the procurement of the CNG vehicles and conversion kits. Also in order to enhance accessibility to CNG's, the ministry under his watch, has launched the CNG Conversion, incentive programme and MyCNG app for rideshare drivers, among others.
Ekpo maintained that significant improvement has been made in local LPG production, storage and distribution networks and also introducing targeted subsidies and incentives to make cooking gas more affordable for low income earners.

It must be stated therefore that the recent surge in the price of cooking gas is as a result of ongoing conflict at International scene; the war between Iran, United States of America and Israel has had a significant effect on the Petroleum products across the world.
It is temporary and in no distance time the price will come down. This is in view of the measures being put in place by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Gas.

Space will fail me to mention all the achievements of the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo since assumption of office.

It is therefore pertinent to state that his performance, which is outstanding and has earned the commendation of his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who appointed him, any destructive, biased and uninformed judgment of his achievements is inconsequential, immaterial and null and viod.

24/05/2026

Balance Gas Exports, Local Use for Development, Ekpo tells African Governments

Nigeria’s Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) and President of the 2026 Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called for a strategic approach to balancing natural gas exports with domestic utilisation across Africa.

Ekpo made the call on Thursday, while speaking at the 3rd GECF Africa Day Workshop, in Doha, Qatar, as part of activities marking the 63rd anniversary of Africa Day and Silver Jubilee celebration of the GECF.

The minister noted that the task of balancing natural gas exports with domestic utilisation in Africa, is not merely an energy issue, but a broader development challenge that requires careful planning and visionary leadership from African governments.

According to him, while gas exports remain essential for generating revenues and securing access to international markets, African countries must ensure that such exports also support domestic transformation through power generation, industrialisation, fertiliser production, clean cooking initiatives and employment opportunities.

“Exports can provide revenues, scale, and investor confidence. Domestic utilisation can deliver the development multiplier. Together, they can turn natural gas from a source of fiscal income into a driver of structural transformation”, he said.

The minister added that exporting gas without simultaneously building domestic capacity could leave African nations struggling with electricity shortages, weak industrialisation, limited infrastructure and inadequate job creation despite earning export revenues.

While harping on the role of private sector participation and regional cooperation, Ekpo assured that the GECF will support the gas exports, domestic utilisation balance agenda through evidence-based analysis, technical cooperation and exchange of practical

22/05/2026

PHOTO NEWS
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‎Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) and President, Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, today met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President & CEO of QatarEnergy, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi.
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‎The meeting in Doha was a solidarity and condolence visit following recent developments affecting the region and the global energy community.
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‎Ekpo reaffirmed GECF’s strong ties with Qatar, noting that both share mutual respect, common aspirations, and constructive cooperation in the gas sector under the Forum’s framework.
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‎“It is our sincere hope that peace, stability and security will continue to prevail for the benefit of all countries and peoples of the region,” he said.
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18/04/2026

Press Statement

FG Reaffirms Commitment to West African Gas Pipeline, Seeks Stronger ECOWAS Support

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the success of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) project, describing it as a critical driver of regional integration, energy security, and economic growth in West Africa.

Speaking at the meeting of the Committee of Ministers (CoM) of the WAGP Project, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) and Chairman of the Committee, Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Nigeria remains fully dedicated to the continued success, reliability, and sustainability of the project.

“For our country, Nigeria, this project remains of utmost importance. As the major gas supply source and a founding state party, Nigeria attaches the highest strategic value to the West African Gas Pipeline.

“We see it as more than a pipeline. We see it as a practical instrument of regional solidarity, a channel for shared prosperity, and a living example of a shared vision translated into infrastructure, trade, and development.

“Nigeria, therefore, reaffirms in clear terms its full commitment to the continued success, security, reliability, and sustainability of the WAGP project. In this regard, I also wish to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the legal and institutional strengthening of the WAGP framework,” he said.

Ekpo said the meeting was convened in line with the provisions of the WAGP Treaty, which established the committee as the highest decision-making body for the project.

He explained that the gathering provided an opportunity to review progress, address implementation challenges, and chart a strategic course for the future of the pipeline system, building on deliberations from a previous meeting held in Accra in April 2025.

The Minister disclosed that the project has significantly expanded energy access, created a viable market for natural gas, and strengthened cross-border cooperation among participating countries.

According to him, since inception, the pipeline has transported over 613 million million British thermal units (MMBtu) of natural gas, with Nigeria supplying more than 68 per cent of volumes delivered to downstream markets in Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana. In 2025 alone, the system recorded over 80 MMBtu, representing a 22 per cent increase.

He noted that the project, rooted in the energy policy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has demonstrated that regional cooperation can deliver tangible benefits, including industrial development and improved energy balance across member states.

Describing the pipeline as more than infrastructure, the Minister said it has become a symbol of regional solidarity and shared prosperity, strengthening commercial ties and expanding access to cleaner energy across West Africa.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the project’s legal and institutional framework, noting ongoing efforts to amend the WAGP Act to align with treaty obligations and evolving needs.

The Minister also called for sustained support from the ECOWAS Commission, particularly in facilitating the free movement of WAGP officials, which he said is vital for effective treaty implementation.

In his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Umar Touray, pledged continued support, urging stakeholders to deepen collaboration to achieve the project’s objectives.

Similarly, the Director-General of the West African Pipeline Authority (WAPA), Madam Chafari Hanawa, and the Managing Director of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO), Mr Abiodun Bodunrin, called for sustained cooperation among member states to consolidate gains and position the project for future growth.

The event, attended by energy ministers from Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic, featured the signing of resolutions and communiqués from previous CoM meetings, as well as deliberations on the role of WAGPA within Africa.

Louis Ibah
Spokesman for the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas)

10/04/2026

Ekpo Seeks Integrated Strategy to Reposition Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Operations

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called for a coordinated and integrated approach to reposition Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for efficiency, sustainability and global competitiveness.

Ekpo made the call on Thursday in Abuja, while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 26th edition of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum, organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council.

While noting that Nigeria’s ambition to increase production and optimise performance across the value chain cannot be achieved through fragmented efforts, the Minister emphasised the need to align digitalisation, capital and policy frameworks for intelligent operations and asset optimisation.

On digitalisation, the Minister said the future of oil and gas operations is increasingly data-driven, with technology playing a central role in improving efficiency, safety and cost management.

“The future of oil and gas operations is undeniably data-driven. From upstream exploration to midstream processing and downstream distribution, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and automation are transforming how assets are managed and optimised. Intelligent operations reduce downtime, enhance reservoir management, improve safety, and ultimately drive cost efficiency."

"As a government, we are committed to supporting the integration of these technologies across the value chain, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive in an increasingly digital energy ecosystem,” Ekpo said.

The Minister assured that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to improve ease of doing business and ensure efficiency in the energy sector.

“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a watershed in Nigeria’s energy sector, providing a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly legal framework. Complemented by Presidential Executive Orders and ongoing regulatory improvements, we are strengthening governance, enhancing ease of doing business, and ensuring that policies are responsive to industry realities. Our objective is to create a stable and coherent framework that supports innovation, efficiency, and long-term value creation,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, Engr. Francis Nwaochei, pointed out that the forum will help examine how African nations can redesign fiscal frameworks to de-risk major projects, attract new investors and address the intersection of finance, technology and regulation, while also focusing on practical funding mechanisms such as reviewing Joint Operating Agreements, aimed at building a digitally integrated energy sector.

15/03/2026

The Best Option....

18/02/2026

NUPRC Unveils Nigeria's Pioneering Gravimetric Flow Metering Calibration Facility
..To curb crude oil losses, bolster revenue transparency

The Federal Government has moved to tighten accountability in the crude oil sector with the inauguration of a Gravimetric Multifaceted Flow Metering Calibration Facility in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The project — the first of its kind in West Africa — addresses a long-standing industry challenge: uncertainty in crude measurement. For decades, inaccurate metering has contributed to disputes, revenue leakages, and reliance on overseas laboratories for calibration.

Speaking at the commissioning, Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, commended Engineering Automation Technology Limited (EATL), the indigenous firm that developed the facility, for its vision, belief, courage, and patriotism in investing in the state-of-the-art project.

Eyesan, who was represented by the Deputy Director for Development in the NUPRC, Mr. Manuel Ibituroko, described the plant as “a transformative leap forward”, featuring zero-touch automation, tamper-proof audit trails, and high-precision gravimetric standards designed to eliminate human error and minimise downtime.

The facility can calibrate turbine, ultrasonic, Coriolis, electromagnetic, and positive displacement meters — critical devices used to determine volumes of crude flowing through pipelines and export terminals — thereby improving operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and production optimisation.

According to the regulator, accurate measurement will curb revenue losses, strengthen reserves management, and free public funds for infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for metering excellence.

Previously, operators depended on foreign calibration services, incurring shipping costs, delays, and foreign-exchange outflows. The local plant retains that value within the domestic economy.

EATL Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Emmanuel Okon, said the project emerged from Nigeria’s local content drive after indigenous companies were encouraged in 2020 to build in-country technical capacity.

“Without dependable calibration, even advanced meters produce inconsistent narratives. With it, we align on a unified truth,” he said.

He said the facility incorporates traceable standards, automated data capture, and documented uncertainty budgets certified to international benchmarks, allowing regulators, auditors, and commercial partners to rely on a single verified dataset.

"This facility promises streamlined revenue reconciliation and compelling investment cases, as Nigerian oil producers will now experience reduced measurement uncertainties," said Okon. "It empowers regulators and oil field operators to demonstrate precision, while communities receive transparent insights into production, royalties, and environmental impacts. Such clarity fosters social license, which is the essential and ongoing consent that sustains exploration and production," he added.

The project was executed under NUPRC oversight with support from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and other stakeholders, ensuring certificates are recognised for statutory reporting and compliance.

Industry analysts expect the development to improve transparency in royalties and taxes, tackle crude oil theft, and enhance investor confidence through verifiable production figures.

The facility is also projected to develop technical hubs within the host community, create hundreds of skilled jobs, and deepen domestic technical expertise in petroleum measurement technology.

02/02/2026

02/02/2026

AUTHENTIC FORUM OF VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES ENDORSE TINUBU, AKPABIO, AND GOV. ENO AT NEW YEAR PARTY

The Authentic Forum of Village Council Chairmen and Secretaries, Ikot Ekpene Chapter, Yesterday, January,31st 2026, rolled out drums to formally endorse His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for re-election in 2027.

The endorsement formed part of activities marking the Forum’s New Year Party, which also featured an award presentation, and the official launch of its 2026 calendar.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Forum, Pastor Solomon Essiet, expressed profound gratitude to God for peace, unity, and security across the 47 villages in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Adding that, Akwa Ibom State has been very peaceful since Governor Umo Eno assumed the office as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The event held at the Ikot Akpan Abia Council Hall, Ikot Ekpene, witnessed the presentation of award to deserving sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State, who have distinguished themselves in service and leadership within and beyond the local government Area.

During the occasion, an Excellence award for good Governance was presented to Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for his effort in championing an inclusive governance in his administration, while an award of Excellence for Community Development was presented to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, in recognition of the various life changing projects he carried out in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and the Senatorial District at large.

The high point of the occasion was the endorsement of the trio, mentioned above for re-election in 2027, in a motion moved by Pastor Solomon Essiet, the Chapter Chairman of the forum in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and seconded by, Elder Uduak Clement George, the Chairman emeritus and Patron of the forum in Ikot Ekpene Chapter.

The well-attended occasion was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon./Elder Aniefiok Nkom; the Commissioner for Environment, Petroleum Resources and Solid Minerals, Rt. Hon. Nsikan Ekong; Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Elder Jerry Hanson Otu; Immediate Past Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Nse Essien, immediate past Chairman, Ibom Power plant, Engr. Etido Inyang, Member, South East Development Commission, and the Progenitor of "Ekpede Initiative" Adede Kufre Okure; Chairman of the occasion, Hon./Prince Samuel Ukut; Hon. Sir, John Cleton, Former Transition Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs. Gloria Useh, former Chairman , Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Founder of Dr. Blessed Udo-Ekpo Foundation, Dr. Blessed Udo-Ekpo, State Chairman of the Authentic Forum of Village Chairmen and Secretaries, Obong Outekong Isaac Uko, Paramount Ruler, of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, HRM, Okuku Okon Ukut, Village Heads, alongside other distinguished guests.

The endorsement was described as a strong grassroots affirmation of confidence in the leadership and developmental strides of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, His Excellency, Senator Akpabio, GCON, and His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, P.hD, ahead of the 2027 general election.