Kalu: 400km South-East Gas Pipeline to Boost Industries, Create Jobs

Kalu: 400km South-East Gas Pipeline to Boost Industries, Create Jobs

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has described the proposed 400-kilometre South-East gas pipeline project as a major step towards unlocking the region’s economic potential and creating jobs.

Kalu stated this on Tuesday while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the South-East Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Investment Ceremony organised by the South East Development Commission (SEDC) at Hotel Presidential in Enugu.

He said the proposed gas pipeline network, which will connect the ANOH Gas Processing Plant in Imo State to major commercial and industrial centres across the five South-East states, would support industrial growth by providing more reliable and affordable energy.

According to him, access to dependable gas supply would help industries reduce their reliance on expensive alternatives, attract investments, expand production and create employment opportunities for residents.

Kalu said the project would benefit businesses and industries across the region, including manufacturing in Aba, industrial clusters in Nnewi and Onitsha, productive enterprises in Enugu, and agro-processing and manufacturing in Ebonyi State.

He added that the pipeline would strengthen the connection between Imo State’s gas resources and the wider regional economy, describing the five states as interconnected parts of a single economic system.

The Deputy Speaker commended the Board and management of the SEDC, led by Mr Mark Okoye, for prioritising projects that address the region’s needs and building partnerships to support their implementation.

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his attention to the development of the South-East and his support for development commissions across the country through interventions aimed at promoting economic growth.

Kalu further thanked the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for the hospitality extended to participants and acknowledged the Commission’s efforts towards fulfilling its mandate for the benefit of the region.

He said the priority was to translate the South-East’s economic potential into tangible improvements in the lives of its people.

Kalu expressed confidence that strategic infrastructure, effective partnerships and sustained commitment would help build a region where industries thrive, businesses expand and prosperity reaches more communities.

Kalu: 400km South-East Gas Pipeline to Boost Industries, Create Jobs