The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Seriake Dickson, said wednesday that the state alone retains 30 per cent of Nigeria’s gas reserves, arguing that Bayelsa could become the Houston of Africa if the federal government gave the needed support, THISDAY reports.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, noted that Dickson spoke during a session with the NNPC at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, United States. The governor said being the historical headquarters of oil and gas in Nigeria and Africa, if the NNPC leadership under Dr. Maikanti Baru and the critical players in the oil and gas sector collaborate with Bayelsa State, a lot would be achieved in that respect.

He maintained that his government had created the enabling environment for investments, especially in the oil and gas sector, declaring that the state remains safe for investments. “Bayelsa State has over 30 per cent of the gas reserves in Nigeria. For anyone thinking about investment opportunities in gas, where to go is clearly Bayelsa and there is no doubt about that, which is why we are here to market that comparative advantage to the investing world,” he said.