ANOH Gas Hub Imo State
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
The Imo State Government has formally welcomed and celebrated the historic commencement of gas export operations by Anoh Gas Processing Company Limited, describing the development as a transformative milestone for the state, the national energy sector, and Nigeria’s broader industrial future. The achievement signals a new phase in Imo State’s emergence as a strategic hub for energy transition, industrial growth, and sustainable development.
In an official communication issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, the state congratulated the management and workforce of Anoh Gas Processing Company Limited on the successful take-off of gas export operations. The government noted that the development represents a major leap forward for Nigeria’s gas value chain and reinforces Imo State’s growing relevance in the country’s energy architecture.
The Ministry emphasized that the technical competence and innovation demonstrated by the Anoh Gas team have successfully transformed the Assa North Field into a centre of progress. According to the state, this transformation is already stimulating investments, creating employment opportunities, strengthening local content participation, and unlocking shared prosperity for host communities and the wider Imo economy.
Beyond its immediate economic value, the commencement of gas export operations is expected to significantly improve access to energy for power generation and clean cooking fuel. The government further highlighted that the project will contribute to reducing carbon intensity while stimulating activities within the Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone, an area envisioned as a nucleus for energy-driven industrialisation.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, Barrister Emeka Mgbudem, described the development as one from which Imo State stands to gain “in more ways than one.” He revealed that the Anoh facility has already commenced gas export, with an initial delivery of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas to Indorama. The plant has a processing capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet, with an additional 250 million standard cubic feet earmarked for export pending the conclusion of commercial arrangements between relevant industry stakeholders.
According to the Commissioner, the coming onstream of the Anoh Gas Processing Plant will significantly boost the state’s revenue profile, particularly through increased 13 percent derivation earnings as full export operations commence. He noted that the project will also deepen energy access for power generation, attract new industries, and accelerate industrialisation across the state.
Barr. Mgbudem further explained that the start of gas processing activities marks the beginning of condensate production, a development that could ultimately lead to the establishment of a refinery in Imo State. He disclosed that several Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) companies are already constructing Mother Stations around the facility, a move expected to further strengthen Imo’s status as a regional energy hub.
The Commissioner stressed that the Anoh project is poised to generate massive employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities, and boost internally generated revenue for the state. He also highlighted the project’s environmental advantages, noting that the facility operates with zero gas flaring and processes flare gas from Seplat’s Ohaji production facility, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to end routine gas flaring by 2030.
In line with Imo State’s clean energy agenda, the Anoh plant is expected to commence Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production for domestic use within the coming weeks. This, according to the government, will support the state’s universal clean cooking initiative, improve public health outcomes, and significantly reduce environmental pollution.
“Our women and children will cook cleaner, live healthier, and our environment will be greener,” the Commissioner was quoted as saying, underscoring the social and environmental dividends of the project.
The state government also acknowledged the role of Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, whose administration’s enabling policies, security architecture, and sustained stakeholder engagement were credited with creating the safe and supportive environment that made the project possible. Notably, the Anoh Gas project recorded an impressive 17.5 million man-hours without a single lost-time incident, a feat the government attributed to effective collaboration and strong security of assets.
Located within the Orashi Special Energy Zone, the Anoh Gas Processing Plant is already attracting anchor tenants and related industries, reinforcing the Governor’s vision of positioning Imo State as a leading destination for industrial and energy investments.
The Imo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to continued partnership with Anoh Gas Processing Company Limited and other industry players, pledging sustained support as operations scale. The administration expressed optimism that the collaboration will maximise gas utilisation, stimulate inclusive growth, and deliver lasting prosperity for Imo State and Nigeria at large.
