By Jonathan Ugbal
Mr. Uduak-Joe Ntuk, a Cross Riverian has been appointed by California’s Governor Gavin Newsom to as the state’s oil and gas supervisor.
This means Ntuk, who is now the first Nigerian-American to hold that position in California’s history and whose family hails from the southern port city of Calabar, will head the Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DOGGR uses science and sound engineering practices to regulate the drilling, operation and permanent closure of energy resource wells.
The division prioritises protecting the public and the environment in its oversight of the oil, natural gas and geothermal industries within the largest state in America.
A statement from the governor’s office said that Ntuk had served as the petroleum administrator in Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the US.
“In Los Angeles, he was responsible for oversight and policy of oil fields, gas storage facilities, petroleum refineries and pipeline franchise agreements,” the governor’s office said.
“Prior to joining the city of Los Angeles, he had worked for several companies, including Tyco, General Electric and Chevron.
“Being a technical professional with both public and private sector energy experience, he provided technical advice to the mayor, city council, and various city departments.”
It added that Ntuk, a strong believer in Nigeria and its potentials, had expressed his will to share his expertise to further develop the Nigerian petroleum industry and the possibilities of building a mutually-beneficial relationship with the state of California.
“A Nigerian-based oil and gas consulting company is exploring the possibilities and has initiated discussions regarding building a business relationship between the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the state of California through Mr Ntuk,” the statement read.
His appointment comes weeks after Ugbana Oyet whose maternal roots can be traced to the Royal Houses of Duke Town, Etim Efiom and Effanga Offiong in Ekpene Tete, Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State was appointed as Serjeant-at-arms in the parliament of the United Kingdom.
Leave feedback about this