By Stella Odueme
In furtherance of its efforts to deepen domestic gas utilization, in line with the
Federal Government’s Gas Revolution Agenda, the NNPC Ltd and its partners have
launched five mini-Liquiefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, on
Thursday.
The epic groundbreaking ceremony signalled the commencement of construction
works on the five Mini-LNG plants namely: NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG,
BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG Arete.
NNPC Ltd has stake in three of the five mini-LNG plants (90% in Prime LNG, 50% in
NGML/Gasnexus LNG and 10% in BUA LNG), while Highland LNG and LNG Arete are
developed by other private companies.
A statement by Olufemi O. Soneye,
Chief Corporate Communications Officer, said all in all, the plants have a combined
capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d).
This unprecedented partnership between NNPC Ltd and private investors
represent a strategic leap towards energy sufficiency, off-grid industrial support
and carbon emission reduction in the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari reaffirmed the
company’s unwavering commitment to 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.
He said the projects 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 and supporting 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 added.
He attributed the Company’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.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt. Hon.
Ekperikpe Ekpo, who described the development as an unprecedented feat in the history of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, said natural gas remains a veritable vehicle
for accelerating Nigeria’s industrialization, economic growth and prosperity.
Ekpo, who assured NNPC Ltd. and its partners of Federal Government’s support,
stressed that the initiatives align with Government’s aspirations of harnessing
Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for National economic development, reducing
the Nation’s carbon footprint and enhancing the well-being of Nigerians.
In his remarks, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed appreciation
to the Federal Government for locating the 5 Mini-LNG plants in the state,
describing it as a step forward in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security.
The Governor, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of
NNPC Ltd and its partners for finding Ajaokuta and Kogi state worthy of gas
investments added that the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment,
including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teaming 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.
Also speaking, Chairman, NNPC Ltd, Chief Pius Akinyelure said the milestone marks
a significant advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector and aligns with the Federal
Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a new era of sustainable energy,
energy security, and industrial growth.
