The people of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation in Ahoada East and West, Rivers State, have raised objections against the proposed relocation of the $550 million NNPC/TotalEnergies Ubeta Gas Project to Obite, a community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The protesters insist that the project should remain in its originally designated location—Ubeta.
Despite the federal government’s approval for the Ubeta site, community leaders allege that certain interest groups are attempting to divert gas infrastructure to Obite. Traditional rulers, including His Imperial Majesty Eze Sir (Amb) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo and His Royal Highness Eze Dr. Chigemerem David, have vowed to resist any attempts to reroute the project.
The Ubeta Field Development Project, under Oil Mining Licence (OML) 058, is expected to produce 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) starting in 2027. The gas from this facility will be crucial in supplying the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train-7 Project at Finima, Bonny Island, which is currently undergoing an expansion from 22 to 30 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa).
Following a community resolution, the Ekpeye leadership has firmly stated: “The Ubeta Gas Project shall be built in Ubeta Community or elsewhere in the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.” While appreciating the federal government’s investment, the community remains resolute in its demand to host the project within its rightful territory.
