A group photograph of officials of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NDE shortly after the meeting on Friday in Abuja.
The Federal Government has initiated discussions with the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) as part of its efforts to address the energy needs of the nation.
In 2021, the government launched the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The programme aims to enhance the adoption of natural gas technology across Nigeria.
To further this initiative, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb Nicholas Ella, met separately on Friday with the Director-General of the NGE, Dr Silas Agara, and the President of ALGON, Hon Aminu Muazu Maifata, in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the ministry on Saturday.
Amb Ella emphasized that the goal of the gas expansion programme is to provide cleaner and sustainable energy to all regions of Nigeria, ensuring inclusive benefits for the entire population. He highlighted the government’s priority to deploy natural gas infrastructure across the country’s 774 local government areas.
“The National Gas Expansion Programme will stimulate socioeconomic activities in both rural and urban areas,” Amb Ella stated.
He further noted that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), with its widespread skills acquisition centres, could mobilize and train youths for the ongoing conversion of vehicles from premium motor spirit (PMS) to compressed natural gas (CNG).
Prof Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman of the National Gas Expansion Programme, underscored the job creation potential of converting vehicles to CNG, which would also enhance government revenue. He added that natural gas could be utilized in the production of fertilizers, medicine, and fabrics, thus reducing dependence on PMS.
“We can empower welders and artisans in the gas industry. We aim to develop local skills in areas with coal deposits, as these areas also have gas deposits,” Prof Ibrahim said.
Regarding funding, Prof Ibrahim mentioned that Nigeria’s successful bid to host the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank in Abuja would help address financial challenges in oil and gas projects.
Dr Silas Agara, the new Director-General of NDE, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the petroleum ministry. He stated that the NDE’s 120 skills acquisition centres would provide the necessary manpower for the CNG vehicle conversion initiative.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Marshal, ALGON President Hon Maifata welcomed the collaboration, noting that it comes at an opportune time following the Supreme Court’s recent decision granting financial autonomy to local governments.
“ALGON is ready to partner with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on this laudable project. With our newfound independence, we are committed to this partnership,” Hon Maifata affirmed.
