Nigeria will deepen domestic gas utilisation with the launch of five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
This is in line with the federal government’s Gas Revolution Agenda, according to a statement by Mr Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
The groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday 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 stake in three of the five mini-LNG plants were put at (90 per cent in Prime LNG, 50 per cent in NGML/Gasnexus LNG and 10 per cent in BUA LNG), while Highland LNG and LNG Arete are developed by other private companies.
The plants were said to 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,” the statement said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the chief executive of NNPC, Mr 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.” Mr Kyari added.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr 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.
Mr Ekpo assured NNPC and its partners of the 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, Mr Usman Ododo, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for locating the five Mini-LNG plants in the state, describing it as a step forward in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security.
He said the plants will 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.
Also speaking, Chairman of the NNPC board, Mr Pius Akinyelure, said the milestone marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector.