Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has affirmed that the Federal Government’s plan to establish five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta will significantly boost the state’s role in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Thursday, Governor Ododo emphasized its importance in shaping the nation’s energy future, stimulating economic development, and enhancing industrial growth.
A statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, emphasized the governor’s view that the LNG plants represent a transformative investment, bringing economic benefits and solidifying Kogi’s status as an emerging energy hub.
“We are witnessing a historic moment that will redefine Kogi’s place in Nigeria’s energy sector.
This project is not just about gas production; it is about economic transformation, job creation, and ensuring that our state plays a central role in Nigeria’s energy future,” Governor Ododo stated.
He stressed that the initiative would generate employment, attract investments, and drive industrial expansion. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to equipping the state’s workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving energy sector.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing energy development and mobilizing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited alongside private sector partners—including Prime LNG, NGML/GASNEXUS LNG, LNG Arete, Highland LNG, and BUA LNG—to spearhead the project.
Ododo expressed confidence that the LNG plants would become a vital component of Kogi’s energy infrastructure, advancing sustainable energy solutions and contributing to Nigeria’s climate goals.
“With an initial combined production capacity of over 80 million cubic feet per day, these plants will serve as a key resource for both national and international energy markets,” he added.
He described the initiative as a milestone achievement that aligns with his administration’s goal of transforming Kogi into a top industrial and energy destination.
Governor Ododo assured stakeholders of his government’s continued commitment to fostering a conducive business environment, ensuring security, and attracting further investments.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, noted that the LNG plants are a crucial part of the federal government’s broader strategy to revolutionize the gas sector and position it as a driver of economic growth.
Kyari emphasized that the project is a tangible step toward energy transformation, with all necessary equipment ready for immediate deployment and assurances that construction will be completed on schedule. He also praised Governor Ododo for securing the support of local communities, acknowledging their role as the project’s primary beneficiaries.
The initiative, led by NNPC Limited in partnership with private investors, aims to boost domestic gas supply, support industrialization, and generate employment.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpo Ekpo, credited President Tinubu’s executive order for expediting the development of the LNG plants, emphasizing that the project aligns with the government’s strategy to maximize Nigeria’s gas potential.
Similarly, Minister for Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, highlighted how the LNG initiative supports Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The event concluded with a groundbreaking ceremony at two of the project sites, attended by government officials, investors, and industry leaders.
