Lekoil Nigeria Limited, an Africa-focused oil and gas exploration and production company, has formally introduced its investment plans in Akwa Ibom State to Governor Umo Eno.
The company expressed its commitment to supporting the state’s economic growth through sustainable energy and agricultural initiatives.
During a recent courtesy visit to the Government House in Uyo on January 21, Lekoil’s CEO, Lekan Akinyanmi, said the company was dedicated to responsible oil and gas operations, job creation, and community development in the state.
He emphasized that Lekoil’s investment plans align with Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on sustainable development and investment in the state.
“We appreciate the warm reception from Governor Umo Eno and the Akwa Ibom State Government. Lekoil Nigeria is dedicated to sustainable development through responsible oil and gas operations, creating jobs, and supporting community growth in Akwa Ibom,” Akinyanmi stated.
In addition to its energy ventures, Lekoil, through its subsidiary Cambridge Harvest, also plans to advance sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
This initiative, the company says, will support food security and boost the state’s agricultural sector.
In response, Governor Eno welcomed Lekoil’s investment interest and assured the company of the state’s support.
He noted that the partnership would create employment opportunities for the state’s youth and contribute to the overall development of Akwa Ibom.
“The state is really interested in agriculture, which is the lead in the ARISE Agenda, and is willing to maintain partnerships that will help actualize the vision of the agenda,” Governor Eno said.
The governor mentioned that the state’s employment portal would assist Lekoil in accessing the necessary workforce for its operations.
Lekoil’s delegation included key executives such as Matthias Akhideno, General Manager of Operations; Gloria Iroegbunam, General Manager of Legal; Hamilton Esi, General Manager of Government Relations and Communications; Unwana Etuk, Head of Contracts and Procurement; and Godwin Okeke, General Manager of Safety, Health, Environment, and Security.
Lekoil, headquartered in London, is a portfolio company of Cambridge Growth Partners which also has OakGold, Cambridge LNG, Cambridge Energy, Cambridge Harvest, CGP-1 Fund, and Blink Studios.
As of 2021, Lekoil owned 40% of the Otakikpo marginal onshore field in Rivers State with a gross daily production of 5,500 barrels of oil.
It also has a 17% equity interest in the Ogo field, a shallow- to deepwater Benin Basin located offshore Lagos.
The oil firm has over 500 million barrels of oil equivalent in total unproven estimated reserves.