20/07/2025
🔥 Why Was West Africa’s Largest Gas Plant Built in Imo State?
1.Imo Has One of the Richest Onshore Gas Reserves in Africa.
‐ The Assa North–Ohaji South (ANOH) field alone holds 4.3–5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas.
- Other areas like Egbema, Obitti, and Izombe also have huge gas and condensate reserves.
This makes Imo one of the most gas-rich onshore territories in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. It's Cheaper & Smarter to Build Where the Gas Is
- ANOH is built close to the wellhead.
- This means:
- No long pipelines to transport raw gas
- Lower construction and transport costs
- Faster processing and delivery
3. Imo’s Location is Strategic for National Gas Distribution
- Imo lies between the South-South, South-East, and North-Central zones.
- It connects to:
- The OB3 gas trunkline (to Edo/Kogi/Abuja)
- Power stations in Aba, Alaoji, Rivers, and Kaduna
- Export terminals through Rivers/Delta corridors
📍Imo is a gas hub by design, not by luck.
4. It Supports Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Goals
- Nigeria is shifting from crude oil to cleaner natural gas.
- The ANOH Gas Plant is a key part of Nigeria’s Decade of Gas plan.
- It powers:
- Industries
- Electricity generation
- LPG for clean cooking
This project puts Imo at the center of Nigeria’s energy future.
5. Easy Access, Friendly Communities & Solid Terrain.
- Imo’s gas zones are land-based, not in swamps or creeks.
- The terrain is dry and stable — unlike Delta or Bayelsa swamps.
- The host communities (Ohaji/Egbema/Assa) have been cooperative.
- The state government fully supported the project.
This made the plant faster and safer to build.
6. There’s Already Infrastructure Nearby
- The site connects to:
- ⚙️ OB3 pipeline
- National grid
- Access roads & logistics hubs
- It also lies near existing oil fields operated by Shell, Seplat, and others in Imo State.
Imo offered gas + land + peace + location — all in one place.
Imo didn’t just have gas — it had everything needed to become a gas powerhouse. That’s why the biggest gas project in West Africa is now located in Imo State, Nigeria 🇳🇬
God Bless Nigeria 🇳🇬🇳🇬
Credit: Emmanuel Travels
