Anambra Sits on One of West Africa’s Largest Gas Deposits, Says Commissioner

By Ebele Ezeh

Anambra State is endowed with one of the largest gas deposits in West Africa, located within the Anambra Basin, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, has said.

Professor Ofoegbu made the disclosure while receiving members of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE, Awka Owerri Chapter, during a courtesy visit to his office at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka.

The Commissioner, alongside the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, noted that with the successful incorporation of Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited and the technical support of NAPE, the state is well positioned to maximize the benefits of its vast gas resources as an oil producing state. He added that the initiative aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of driving economic growth through strategic resource development.

Also speaking, Dr. Mefor expressed confidence that Anambra possesses the potential to emerge as a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He called on NAPE to support the state’s efforts in unlocking its energy resources for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Earlier, the Coordinator of NAPE Awka Owerri Chapter, Dr. Ifeanyi Chinwuko, said the association, which covers the five South East states, is committed to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources. He assured the state government of the association’s readiness to provide technical support in exploring Anambra’s vast gas reserves and congratulated Professor Ofoegbu on his appointment, describing him as a renowned geophysicist and respected professional.

The visit concluded with the presentation of gifts by members of NAPE to Professor Ofoegbu in appreciation of his contributions to the geosciences profession and his leadership in the state’s petroleum and mineral resources sector.