Governor Uzodimma’s Advocacy Bears Fruit: Imo State Gains Two Strategic Hubs In Recent Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan 2026
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s persistent advocacy for Imo State’s economic development has culminated in a major victory, with the state securing two strategic gas hubs in the newly launched national energy blueprint.
The NNPC Gas Master Plan 2026 (NGMP 2026) was officially unveiled on January 30, 2026, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, and positions Imo’s Assa North and Izombe hubs as key components of Nigeria’s plan to harness its vast gas resources for industrialization.
The strategic inclusion of Imo State is widely seen as a direct result of Governor Uzodimma’s focused engagement with federal authorities and the NNPC to highlight the state’s existing gas infrastructure and investment potential. This inclusion places Imo at the heart of a plan that aims to transform gas into the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security and economic future.
The NGMP 2026 marks a decisive shift in national strategy, moving from policy formulation to what the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described as “disciplined execution.” The plan identifies a network of prioritized gas hubs across the country, designed as centralized nodes for processing and distributing gas to power plants, industries, and homes.
The plan’s ambitious targets are to increase national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and to attract over $60 billion in new investments by the end of the decade, creating a ripple effect of job creation and industrial growth across all regions.
Governor Uzodimma’s efforts have ensured Imo State is not just a participant but a significant player in this national scheme. The state’s two designated hubs are:
· Assa North Hub: Linked to the flagship Assa North-Ohaji South (ANOH) gas project, this hub is a major processing center designed to feed into the national OB3 pipeline, supplying gas for power generation and other domestic uses.
· Izombe Hub: This hub is focused on utilizing associated gas, reducing wasteful flaring, and providing feedstock for local industries, including potential fertilizer and petrochemical plants.
While Imo’s inclusion is a standout achievement, the Gas Master Plan 2026 is a nationwide initiative. Other critical hubs highlighted in the plan include:
· Oben (Edo State): A crucial supplier to power plants and the AKK pipeline.
· Utorogu & Escravos (Delta State): Large-scale facilities forming the backbone of western gas supply.
· Obiafu-Obrikom (Rivers State): Central to the operation of the critical OB3 pipeline.
· Anyala (Bayelsa State): A high-priority offshore hub integrated with the Brass LNG project.
The benefits of this strategic inclusion for Imo State are multifaceted. It is expected to attract substantial ancillary investments, create skilled and unskilled jobs, boost state revenue, and provide a reliable, cleaner energy source for local industries and communities. For Nigeria, the successful implementation of the plan, powered by hubs across states including Imo, is pivotal for achieving energy independence, reducing reliance on oil, and building a more diversified and resilient economy.
The unveiling of the Gas Master Plan 2026, with Imo State prominently featured, represents a concrete step toward harnessing the nation’s resources. It stands as a testament to the impact of state-level advocacy in shaping national policy for local economic transformation.