30/08/2025
DID YOU KNOW?
Bassey Albert Akpan served two terms in the Nigerian Senate, from 2015 to 2023, representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. During his time as a federal legislator, he was known for his work in the petroleum and gas sectors.
* Chairman of Key Committees: He held significant leadership positions, serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas Resources during the 8th Senate (2015-2019) and later as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Upstream Petroleum Resources in the 9th Senate (2019-2023).
His committee work was deeply involved with major reforms in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. He was instrumental in the discussions and eventual passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021.
As a committee chairman, he demonstrated a commitment to financial oversight. For example, his committee once rejected a request for a N200 million appropriation for the review of the Nigeria Gas Master Plan, deeming it unnecessary.
He was the sponsor of the "Gas Flaring Penalty and Prohibition Bill," which aimed to end the practice of gas flaring in Nigeria, a significant environmental and economic issue.
He played a key role in the review of the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract, a move that reportedly increased the federal government's revenue from oil by hundreds of millions of dollars.
Beyond legislative debates, he was also known for facilitating numerous constituency projects, including the construction of health centers, skill acquisition centers, and educational support programs.
Motions and Bills
He moved a motion on the floor of the Senate to address the deplorable state of the Ikot-Ekpene – Itu – Calabar highway.