Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced plans by his administration to set up a committee to look into allegations of tax increase in the state, explaining that his administration had only widened the tax net without increasing the tax rate.

Mbah, who also explained that the surge in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, were due to the introduction of e-payment and technology by his administration to plug revenue leakages, what he described as false narratives on taxation in Enugu State on beneficiaries of the old order of corruption in revenue collection in the state.

The governor stated this while fielding question during a media chat with journalists at Government House, Enugu, during the week.

Recall that Enugu State raked in N180.05 billion, up from N37 billion in 2023, to rank 5th on 2024 IGR table of the 36 states and FCT released by the National Bureau of Statistics about a fortnight ago.

Lagos state ranked 1st with N1.26 trillion, Rivers State placed second with 317.3 billion, FCT ranked 3rd with N282.3 billion, while Ogun State ranked 4th with N194.9 billion.

Diffusing the allegation of high tax burdens by the opposition in the state, Mbah said, “The Taxation thing that you hear is actually misplaced. But I have also committed to setting up a committee that will include the market unions, the civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and other relevant groups, so that they can do a review of what is happening in our tax space and come up with a report.

“My belief is that based on what we have done so, we have not increased the tax rate. In fact, even under the laws, we are not able to do that. This is because the issue of personal income tax or company income tax is a matter that is legislated by the National Assembly. That is to say that those rates can only be adjusted by laws made by the National Assembly. Those numbers there were not legislated by the Enugu State House of Assembly but by the federal legislature.

“The only thing we did, which is something we believe that is now being politicised, is that we displaced some entrenched interests because we have plugged the leakages we had in the system before now. Payments are now made directly to the state coffers. We now have e-payments. The era of people going to market with paper and harassing people like drivers and Keke to collect cash payments from them is gone.

“Once you initiate programmes and policies like this, you will be displacing some entrenched intrests and be sure to know that they will fight back. They won’t just go down without fighting.

“This falsehood is also narrated in such a way that if you have not done your own independent investigation, you will not know. You may be tempted to agree that the narrative is true.

“But that notwithstanding, as a leader, we must be listen I believe that we need to probe further to know perhaps there are somethings we are not aware of. This is why I said let us constitute the committee and it will be done pretty soon.”

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has taken a decisive step to advance its natural gas agenda, signing an Incentives Agreement with energy major Chevron for the development of the Aseng Gas Project in Block I.

The landmark agreement – signed between the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development the Ministry of Finance and Chevron – underscores the country’s long-term strategy to consolidate its position as a premier hub for natural gas in Africa. 

The Aseng Gas Project represents an initial investment of approximately $690 million. The development will unlock new volumes of natural gas that will be directed toward domestic power generation and processing at the EGLNG facility.

In doing so, it secures feedstock for one of the country’s most important industrial assets, the Punta Europa Gas Complex, while creating new opportunities for value addition and energy security.  

This agreement signals more than a single project milestone. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing the Gas Mega Hub (GMH) initiative – a bold strategy that leverages Equatorial Guinea’s existing infrastructure to monetize regional gas resources.

The integration of gas produced from the Aseng field represents the third phase of the GMH. By ensuring reliable supply to midstream facilities, the Aseng development positions the country as a critical partner in the continent’s energy future. 

“The Aseng Gas Project will provide a reliable supply of LNG to global markets while serving as a catalyst for advancing strategic developments such as the Punta Europa complex. In addition, it will enhance national and regional energy security, support clean cooking initiatives and drive economic growth through a sustainable energy supply,” stated Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea. 

Equatorial Guinea’s GMH has been a focal point of regional cooperation since its inception. The initiative seeks to aggregate stranded or associated gas resources from domestic fields and neighboring countries, processing them through existing infrastructure at Punta Europa.

By doing so, the country is transforming potential flared or underutilized resources into export revenue, domestic power and industrial growth.

In recent years, the government has signed a series of agreements aimed at expanding the scope of the hub. Partnerships with international operators have allowed Equatorial Guinea to process gas from the Alen Field and other regional assets.

The Aseng Gas Project adds further momentum, with Chevron consolidating its position as a strategic partner committed to the long-term success of the initiative. 

Chevron’s agreement follows key milestones in Equatorial Guinea’s gas market. Notably, ConocoPhillips exports its first cargo from the Punta Europe facility in June 2025, representing a critical step towards advancing the GMH initiative.

The Aseng Gas Project represents a cornerstone for the next phase of the country’s energy development.

By combining strategic partnerships, progressive reforms and visionary infrastructure planning, Equatorial Guinea is demonstrating how gas can serve as both an export revenue generator and a catalyst for broad-based economic transformation.

As the GMH advances, the country is solidifying its reputation as a model for African energy development – one where resource monetization, investor confidence, and sustainable growth converge. 

Building on this momentum and to reinforce its attractiveness as an investment destination, the government is undertaking comprehensive regulatory reforms.

The Hydrocarbons Law, Tax Law, Labor Law and the Special Economic Zones framework are all under review, reflecting a deliberate effort to create a modern, transparent, and competitive environment for investors.

These reforms will not only strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s credibility as a reliable partner but also lay the foundation for sustained project development across the oil and gas value chain.

The reforms complement a drive by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development to attract new investment across the market.

The country is preparing to launch its 2026 licensing round, featuring key assets that will support the country’s production goals.

By working closely with foreign operators, introducing new investment prospects and revisiting its regulatory environment, Equatorial Guinea is positioning itself for long-term growth.  

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the voice of the African energy sector, supports the Aseng Gas Project agreement as it secures new gas supply, strengthens the Punta Europa complex, and drives the success of the Gas Mega Hub. 

The re-entry into Ogoniland marks a historic turning point for Nigeria, not just in terms of oil production, but more broadly, this milestone reflects the spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which commits to building a stronger country, attracting responsible investment, and ensuring that community development is at the heart of national progress.

Speaking during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, President Tinubu acknowledged that the Ogoni people have endured long years of pain, and that this re-entry reflects the government’s recognition of their sacrifices.

“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, otherwise we would not be here today…We declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” the President said.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, echoed the President’s sentiments, calling the development a re-affirmation of the company’s unwavering commitment to the Ogoni re-entry plan and a bold step towards justice, healing, and national prosperity. He emphasized that the re-entry demonstrates that Nigeria can confront its past, honour the sacrifices of its communities, and forge a new path with a vision of prosperity and justice for all.

“The re-entry into Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas. It is about justice, healing, and charting a new future for our nation,” Ojulari said.

Ogoni re-entry can be seen as both a test and an opportunity for the country. It demonstrates that equity can exist in national development, and oil can co-exist with environmental stewardship and inclusive nation-building. This milestone is a practical example of how President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda translates into reality by strengthening our country, creating conditions for responsible investment, while prioritising the prosperity of host communities.

Ojulari acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in convening a committee that brought diverse stakeholders together, creating the platform for dialogue and consensus that made this breakthrough possible. He also praised the work of Professor Don Baridam and members of the Presidential Committee, who engaged tirelessly and transparently with all relevant parties to produce a report that tells a story of fairness and inclusivity that will ultimately bring closure and renew hope for the Ogoni people and all Nigerians.

“The lesson is that this journey cannot be driven solely by production volumes. It must be anchored on justice, equity, sustainability, and most importantly, collaboration with the very people whose land bears this wealth,” he stated.

To that end, Ojulari was categorical that in resuming operations in Ogoni, NNPC Ltd will continue to build trust by prioritising community engagements with key stakeholders, investing in infrastructure, and empowering local enterprise.

He confirmed that NNPC has already began initiatives in road construction, infrastructure upgrades, and economic empowerment programs designed to rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability in an inclusive manner. “NNPC Ltd is determined to transform Ogoniland from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, echoed the general sentiments that sustainable progress is possible and proven through collaboration with all parties concerned. He said the report was the outcome of an intensive, methodical, and transparent engagement, while Professor Baridam, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the President for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Ogoni people, stressing that through diplomacy and relentless insistence on dialogue, host community trust was earned, and hope restored.

This restored hope is also a message for the international community— Ogoni re-entry is more than a Nigerian milestone. It is a classic example of how a resource-rich nation like Nigeria can reconcile environmental protection with energy security. By placing community benefit at the centre, Nigeria is rewriting the global playbook on how oil and gas operations can co-exist with local aspirations, sharing a global example of how energy development can be reconciled with environmental protection and community inclusion.

For Nigeria, it signals progress is being redefined as a partnership between government, industry, and the people.