Rt.Hon.Ekperikpe Ekpo
Honourable Minister of State for Gas, Nigeria
Rt.Hon.Ekperikpe Ekpo serves as the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a post he assumed in August 2023 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In this role, he is tasked with advancing the nation’s natural gas agenda—overseeing policy frameworks, investment attraction, infrastructure development and regulatory reforms in the gas sector. His leadership is critical to Nigeria’s efforts to monetize gas resources, reduce gas flaring, expand domestic gas access and position the country as a key node in regional and global energy markets. Prior to this appointment, Hon. Ekpo developed a strong record in public service and governance rooted in his native Akwa Ibom State. He holds a B.Sc. in Biology (Ecology) and a Master’s degree in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology from the University of Calabar. He began his career as a teacher and Head of Department in science education before entering political service. He served as Care-taker Chairman and then elected Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, where he executed essential electrification and water projects, and later represented the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, participating in key committees on industry, power, customs service and Niger Delta affairs. Among his notable achievements in his current capacity, Hon. Ekpo has been instrumental in unlocking investment for gas infrastructure, including moving forward key projects and facilitating a robust regulatory environment. He has championed Nigeria’s commitment to reducing routine gas flaring and is leading efforts to harness the country’s proven gas reserves for industrialization, energy security and sustainable development.