Five new mini-Liquiefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants were on Thursday launched in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, to deepen domestic gas utilization in the country.
The groundbreaking for the commencement of construction
works on the plants was in furtherance of the
Federal Government’s Gas Revolution Agenda.
The plants, which have a combined capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d), include NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG Arete.
The NNPC Ltd has 90 percent equity in Prime LNG; 50 percent in NGML/Gasnexus LNG and 10 percent in BUA LNG.
The other two plants – Highland LNG and LNG Arete are being
developed completely by private investors in support of the agenda.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, said at the launch of the plant that the unprecedented partnership between NNPC Ltd and private investors represented a strategic leap towards energy sufficiency, off-grid industrial support
and carbon emission reduction in the country.
Kyari reaffirmed the
company’s unwavering commitment to realising the Federal Government’s gas-to-power
aspirations, noting that natural gas holds the key to unlocking a bright and prosperous future for Nigeria, and a catalyst for industrialization, job creation, and economic diversification.
The NNPC Ltd GCEO said the projects would play a critical role in increasing access to energy for millions of Nigerians, providing job opportunities, promoting economic growth and
contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while creating opportunities for gas commercialisation in support of the Federal Government’s
flare down initiatives.
“These Mini LNG facilities will ensure the efficient transportation of gas over long
distances, providing a cleaner and cheaper source of energy to households, mobility, industries, and businesses. This is particularly important for regions that currently lack access to gas pipeline infrastructure.” Kyari said.
He attributed the NNPC Ltd’s strides in upstream and gas infrastructure projects
to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in utilizing gas resources to fuel industrialization, achieve energy security and foster economic growth and development.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who described the development as an unprecedented feat in the
history of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, said natural gas remained a veritable vehicle
for accelerating Nigeria’s industrialization, economic growth and prosperity.
Ekpo, who assured NNPC Ltd. and its partners of Federal Government’s continued support, stressed that the initiatives aligned with the Federal Government’s aspirations of harnessing
Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for National economic development, reducing
the nation’s carbon footprints and enhancing the well-being of Nigerians.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for locating the five mini-LNG plants in the state,
describing the decision as a step forward in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security.
Ododo, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Ltd and its partners for finding Kogi state worthy of those gas investments said the plants would unlock ample opportunities in investment,
including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teeming population.
He assured of the state government’s support for the project through manpower
supply, provision of adequate security and host community collaboration at the
projects’ various sites from commencement to completion.
The Chairman of NNPC Ltd, board, Chief Pius Akinyelure said the milestone marked
a significant advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector and aligned with the Federal
Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a new era of sustainable energy, energy security, and industrial growth.
