From the Classroom to the Federal Executive Council, a Journey of Service, Leadership and National Development
By Chief Edet Isong
Rt. Hon. (Obongemem) Ekperikpe Ekpo is a distinguished Nigerian politician, educationist, administrator, community leader and public servant whose remarkable journey from the classroom to the Federal Executive Council reflects a life dedicated to service, leadership and human development.
Today, as the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo occupies one of the most strategic positions in Nigeria’s economic development architecture, playing a major role in the Federal Government’s determination to harness the country’s abundant natural gas resources for industrialisation, energy security, job creation and improved living standards.
A native of Ikot Udom Village in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Ekperikpe Ekpo has built a reputation for hard work, political organisation, grassroots mobilisation and purposeful leadership.
A Strong Academic Foundation
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo’s journey began with a strong educational foundation.
He gained admission into the University of Calabar, where he studied Biology (Ecology) and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989.
His interest in the environment and sustainable development later took him back to the University of Calabar for postgraduate studies. In 2015, he obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology.
His academic background has remained relevant to his public service career, particularly in an era when environmental sustainability, energy transition and responsible exploitation of natural resources have become critical issues globally.
An Educationist Before Politics
Before venturing into politics and public administration, Ekperikpe Ekpo distinguished himself as an educationist.
During his National Youth Service Corps programme, he served as a teacher and Head of the Science Department at Ise/Emure Grammar School in Ekiti State.
After completing his NYSC, he joined the prestigious Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, Abak, where he spent 11 years teaching and moulding young minds.
Through dedication and professional excellence, he rose to become Head of the Science Department and later Dean of Studies.
His years in education helped shape his leadership philosophy, particularly his belief in discipline, knowledge, responsibility and service to humanity.
In 2002, he resigned his appointment with the seminary to pursue higher public service.
Grassroots Development and Leadership
In July 2003, Ekperikpe Ekpo was appointed Caretaker Chairman of Ika Local Government Council.
Seven months later, he returned to the people and was elected Chairman of Ika Local Government Area in May 2004.
He also served as Secretary of the Forum of Heads of Councils in Akwa Ibom State between 2004 and 2005.
His tenure as Chairman remains an important chapter in his public service record.
He facilitated the completion of the abandoned Federal Government electrification project, thereby connecting Ika Local Government Area to the national electricity grid for the first time.
His administration also provided 13 borehole water projects across the ten wards and three major markets in the local government area—Mkpohoeto, Urua Inyang and Nyieheiso.
He facilitated the construction of the Ika Ultra-Modern Unity Hall and provided electricity support to power consumers in the local government throughout his tenure.
In the health sector, his administration provided free medical services to pregnant women, among several other people-oriented initiatives.
These projects demonstrated his conviction that leadership must have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
The National Assembly Years
In 2007, Ekperikpe Ekpo contested and won election to the House of Representatives to represent Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
At the National Assembly, he distinguished himself as a legislator with broad responsibilities.
He served as Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Legislative Caucus in the National Assembly and Chairman of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Legislators Forum between 2007 and 2011.
He was appointed Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Industry and also served as a member of the House Committees on Customs Service, National Security and Intelligence, Power, and Niger Delta Affairs.
His legislative experience broadened his understanding of national policy, infrastructure, energy, security, industry and economic development.
A Political Strategist and Mobiliser
Beyond elected office, Ekperikpe Ekpo continued to play an important role in political organisation and mobilisation.
In 2020, he became Director-General of the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum, where he was instrumental in political mobilisation and grassroots engagement.
Under his leadership, the organisation played a significant role in the political mobilisation that contributed to the unprecedented victories recorded in Akwa Ibom State in the 2023 elections.
His political career has demonstrated his ability to organise people, build relationships and work strategically toward defined objectives.
The Ministerial Assignment
The appointment of Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) placed him at the heart of one of the most important areas of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
Nigeria possesses enormous natural gas resources, yet for decades much of this potential remained underutilised.
Ekpo has embraced the responsibility of ensuring that gas becomes more than an export commodity. His vision is to see Nigerian gas powering homes and industries, supporting transportation, providing cleaner cooking fuel, generating employment and stimulating industrial growth.
He has become a strong advocate of the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which seeks to position natural gas as a major driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Championing the Decade of Gas
One of Ekperikpe Ekpo’s major contributions as Minister has been his persistent advocacy for the development of Nigeria’s gas value chain.
His agenda covers gas production, processing, transportation, power generation, LPG, CNG, industrial applications and gas exports.
He has consistently maintained that Nigeria must move beyond merely producing and exporting raw resources and instead create greater value domestically.
His vision is for gas to become a foundation for industrialisation, manufacturing, electricity generation, transportation and job creation.
Driving Gas Infrastructure Development
As Minister, Ekpo has been a strong advocate for the completion and expansion of critical gas infrastructure.
He has consistently highlighted the importance of projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline in creating the infrastructure required to move gas to where it is needed.
Such infrastructure is critical to strengthening gas supply to industries, supporting electricity generation and opening new opportunities for investment across the country.
Gas-to-Power and Economic Development
Ekperikpe Ekpo has strongly advocated the development of Nigeria’s gas-to-power value chain.
For him, the real success of Nigeria’s gas revolution should be measured not merely by barrels and cubic metres, but by the impact on ordinary Nigerians.
It should mean more reliable electricity, stronger industries, new businesses, employment opportunities and improved economic productivity.
His position reflects a broader understanding that energy is the foundation upon which modern economies are built.
Championing Clean Cooking
Another major area of his ministerial responsibility is the promotion of clean cooking.
Ekpo has consistently advocated greater use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative to firewood and other traditional cooking fuels.
The campaign for wider LPG adoption is designed to improve household health, reduce dependence on firewood, protect the environment and make cleaner energy more accessible to Nigerian families.
His support for the expansion of LPG infrastructure and distribution demonstrates his belief that Nigeria’s gas resources must directly improve the quality of life of its citizens.
Promoting CNG and Affordable Transportation
Ekperikpe Ekpo has also supported the development of Compressed Natural Gas as part of Nigeria’s broader energy transition.
CNG has the potential to provide a more affordable transportation fuel, reduce pressure on petroleum products and create opportunities for investment and employment.
His advocacy for CNG fits into his broader philosophy of ensuring that Nigeria’s gas resources are increasingly consumed domestically for the benefit of Nigerians.
Supporting Nigerian Businesses and Local Content
Ekpo has also emphasised the importance of greater Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry.
He believes Nigerian businesses should not remain spectators in the country’s petroleum sector.
His advocacy for local capacity development, technology transfer, engineering expertise, indigenous companies and skills development reflects a determination to ensure that Nigeria’s natural resources create opportunities for Nigerians.
For him, the gas revolution must also become an industrial and employment revolution.
Environmental Responsibility
With his academic background in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology, Ekperikpe Ekpo understands the importance of balancing energy development with environmental responsibility.
His approach to gas development recognises the need for Nigeria to expand energy access while also reducing harmful emissions and promoting cleaner energy solutions.
This has strengthened his advocacy for cleaner cooking, responsible gas development and measures aimed at reducing methane emissions.
Taking Nigeria’s Gas Agenda to the World
As Minister, Ekperikpe Ekpo has also become an important voice in Nigeria’s international energy diplomacy.
He has represented Nigeria at major international energy platforms, engaging investors, development partners and global energy stakeholders on the opportunities available in Nigeria’s gas sector.
His message has remained consistent: Nigeria is open for investment and possesses the gas resources, human capacity and market potential required to become a major global energy player.
He has promoted Nigeria’s ambition to become a major regional and global gas hub, while encouraging investment across the entire gas value chain.
A Man of Grassroots Connection
Despite his elevation to national office, Ekperikpe Ekpo remains deeply connected to his roots.
His political and public service career has always maintained a strong grassroots component.
His record demonstrates an understanding that meaningful development must reach communities and ordinary citizens.
From providing water and electricity at the local government level to championing national energy policies, his career has consistently reflected an interest in projects and policies capable of improving lives.
Awards and Recognition
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo is a recipient of several awards and recognitions in appreciation of his contributions to public service, community development and leadership.
Among them are the Knight of St. John International (KSJ), Ikot Ekpene Diocese; the Spirit of Detroit Award, Michigan, United States of America; and the traditional title of Obongemem I of Ika, conferred by the Traditional Rulers Council of Ika Local Government Area.
These honours reflect the respect he has earned across different spheres of society.
A Devout Christian and Family Man
Beyond politics and public office, Ekperikpe Ekpo is a committed Christian and a proud Catholic of the Ikot Ekpene Diocese.
He is married to Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo, and their marriage is blessed with five children.
His faith, family values and commitment to service have remained important parts of his identity.
A Legacy Still Being Written
The story of Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo is a story of steady progression—from the classroom to local government administration, from the National Assembly to political leadership, and from grassroots politics to the Federal Executive Council.
His career has given him experience at virtually every level of public leadership.
As Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), he now has the opportunity to contribute to one of the most consequential transformations in Nigeria’s economic history.
His determination to make natural gas a catalyst for electricity, industrialisation, clean cooking, transportation, employment and investment places him at the centre of Nigeria’s energy transformation.
For Ekperikpe Ekpo, public office is not simply a position of honour. It is a responsibility.
And from Ika to Abuja, his journey continues to demonstrate a commitment to hard work, purposeful leadership, community development and service to humanity.
As Nigeria continues its march toward a stronger and more diversified economy, the contribution of Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo to the country’s gas revolution will remain an important part of that journey.
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo is, indeed, a man whose story is still being written—and whose current chapter is being written in the service of Nigeria’s energy future.