ExxonMobil affiliate, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, on Friday, announced plans to invest up to N13 billion (US$43 million) in three community health, economic empowerment and education projects in Akwa Ibom State in the next 18 months.

The investments amount to one of the largest community investments by any company in Nigeria.

The three projects include a technical skills centre in Ikot Akata, a trauma centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and an engineering complex at the University of Uyo.

In a statement, the Chairman and Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria, Paul McGrath, said: “These investments will provide long-term health, education and economic benefits to many in our communities.

“We continue to work closely with the government of the Akwa Ibom State as part of our commitment to communities where we operate and helping to improve quality of life,” he added.

Also according to him, the technical skills centre will consist of a three-block training complex for critical skills required in oil and gas careers, such as pipeline fabrication, welding, electrical works, chemical lab works, civil works and engineering design.

The centre is expected to train more than 100 students annually.

He also noted that the trauma centre, which is to be housed in a two-floor medical complex, will help reduce mortality rates in major medical emergencies.

The centre will include a resuscitation and burns room, a theatre suite, helipad, ambulance bay and triage area, high dependency and radiology units, mini labs, wards, pharmacy, administrative offices, library, and doctor, call and seminar rooms.

Furthermore, the company stated that the engineering complex, which will be equipped with generators and independent water supply, will feature two floors of workshops, laboratories, a lecture theatre, conference rooms and faculty offices.

It is expected to serve about 2,000 students, mostly from Akwa Ibom State.