The upcoming Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC), scheduled for May 27–29, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, will feature Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), as a keynote speaker. His presence underscores Nigeria’s strategic emphasis on natural gas as a catalyst for sustainable energy and economic transformation across Africa.
Born on November 20, 1966, in Ika, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Ekpo holds a B.Sc. in Biology (Ecology) and a master’s degree in environmental Pollution and Toxicology from the University of Calabar . His career commenced in education, where he served as a teacher and later as Head of Science Department during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year. He continued teaching for eleven years at Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, before transitioning into public service in 2002.
In 2003, he was appointed as the Caretaker Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, facilitating the completion of a Federal Government electrification project connecting Ika to the national grid. He was elected as Head of the Council in 2004, serving until 2005. Subsequently, he represented the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency in the Nigerian House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. During his tenure, he served on several committees, including the House Committee on Industry (as Deputy Chairman), and the Committees on Customs Service, National Security and Intelligence, Power, and Niger Delta Affairs.
Appointed in August 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo has played a pivotal role in propelling Nigeria’s gas sector forward through a number of strategic initiatives. He facilitated the long-awaited resolution of the Gas Sales Purchase Agreement for the Brass Methanol Project, a milestone that unlocked an estimated $3 billion in investment potential. Under his supervision, several key gas infrastructure projects have been commissioned, notably the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub and enhanced LPG transportation systems, aimed at boosting domestic gas availability and efficiency. In line with Nigeria’s environmental goals, Hon. Ekpo has also championed a firm national commitment to achieving net zero flare gas emissions. A significant outcome of this drive is the achievement by the NNPCL/TotalEnergies Joint Venture of zero routine gas flaring across all its Nigerian assets, marking a major step toward cleaner and more sustainable energy practices.
These efforts align with Nigeria’s broader goals of reducing gas flaring, stabilizing domestic LPG prices, and attracting investment for gas infrastructure development.
At AETC 2025, Hon. Ekpo is expected to share insights on Nigeria’s gas policies, infrastructure projects, and the role of natural gas in Africa’s energy transition. His keynote address will likely highlight strategies for leveraging gas resources to drive industrial growth, enhance energy security, and promote environmental sustainability across the continent.
His participation at AETC 2025 underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional collaboration and innovation in the energy sector. Attendees can anticipate a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s gas sector advancements and their implications for Africa’s energy landscape.
Secure your place now! Visit www.aetconference.com or contact +23326 880 0800 | +233 50 251 9909 for sponsorship, participation, and registration.
