President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening gas utilization in Nigeria.
The President said this on Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony of 5 mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekeperipe Ekpo, who represented President Tinubu at the event, emphasized the project’s importance in Nigeria’s energy strategy.
“This strategy aligns with the country’s dual approach to energy development, leveraging international partnerships for renewable energy while optimizing domestic gas reserves”
The project, developed in partnership with various industry players, including NNPC Limited and its partners, will be constructed on 33,000 hectares of land.
With a combined capacity of 84.5 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, and a $500 million investment, the plants will produce Condensate, LNG, LPG, and CNG, increasing gas availability in the country.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.
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Kyari emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering the project, which will utilize domestic gas reserves, reducing reliance on polluting fuels like kerosene.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, assured that the State will provide all necessary support for the realization of the project.
Governor Ododo emphasized the significance of the project in boosting the State’s economy and creating employment opportunities for its citizens.
The Authority Chief Executive (ACE) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, commended the Ajaokuta gas project, stating that it is a testament to the effectiveness of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Ahmed noted that Ajaokuta is rapidly becoming a hub for gas infrastructure, emphasizing the crucial role of gas as a transitional fuel in the country’s energy transition.
The groundbreaking ceremony, themed “From Gas to Prosperity: Catalysing Nigeria’s Economic Growth,” was attended by members of the National Assembly, Heads of Federal agencies, and traditional rulers.
As Nigeria races towards its 2030 energy access target, this groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards energy sufficiency.
The project is poised to create huge employment opportunities, stimulate industrial development, and ensure access to cleaner and more affordable energy for households, businesses, and industries.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
