Paul Ibe Questions Tinubu’s $100m South-East Gas Project Ahead of 2027 Elections

Paul Ibe, a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has raised questions about the timing, funding and implementation of the Tinubu administration’s proposed $100 million gas project in the South-East, with Nigeria’s 2027 general elections approaching.

In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Ibe called on the Federal Government to provide greater transparency regarding the project, including its financing arrangements, outstanding approvals and implementation timeline.

The proposed project is reportedly expected to begin construction in the first quarter of 2027, with the delivery of its first gas projected for the second quarter of 2028.

While acknowledging the importance of gas infrastructure to industrial development, Ibe argued that Nigerians deserve clear information on how the project will be funded and the measures in place to ensure its completion.

He wrote: “The Tinubu administration’s announcement of a proposed $100 million South-East gas project, with the 2027 elections approaching, invites legitimate questions about timing, funding and delivery.

“Reports indicate that construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 2027, with first gas projected for Q2 2028. Nigerians deserve a clear account of funding secured, outstanding approvals and enforceable milestones.”

Ibe also urged the government to demonstrate tangible progress on road infrastructure in the South-East, particularly the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe Road, which he identified as important to the region’s industrial and commercial activities.

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He maintained that the development of gas infrastructure alone would not be sufficient to support industrialisation without reliable road networks to facilitate the movement of raw materials and finished products.

“If the administration is serious about industrialisation, let it also demonstrate measurable progress on the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe Road. Move from approvals and announcements to completed infrastructure.

“Factories need affordable gas. They also need roads to move raw materials and finished goods,” he stated.

The former vice-presidential aide further stressed the need for the government to make the project’s financing arrangements and delivery schedule public, alongside regular updates on its implementation.

According to him, the proximity of the 2027 elections makes accountability over major infrastructure announcements particularly important, as Nigerians assess the government's performance and commitments.

“The proximity of an election makes transparency more necessary. Publish the financing arrangements, delivery timetable and regular progress reports.

“Infrastructure is a public responsibility, not a political favour. The measure of performance is gas delivered, roads completed and jobs created—not applause at a hotel ceremony,” Ibe added.