The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners, on Thursday, launched five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The development was in furtherance of its efforts to deepen domestic gas utilisation, in line with the Gas Revolution Agenda of the Federal Government.
The epic groundbreaking ceremony signaled 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.
NNPCL has stake in three of the five mini-LNG plants (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 were developed by other private companies.
All in all, the five mini-LNG have a combined capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d).
The unprecedented partnership between NNPCL and private investors represented a strategic leap towards energy sufficiency, off-grid industrial support and carbon emission reduction in the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, GCEO NNPCL, Mele Kyari, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to Federal Government’s gas-to-power aspirations.
He noted that natural gas holds the key to unlocking a bright and prosperous future for Nigeria and a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation and economic diversification.
He 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).
He added that they would also create opportunities for gas commercialisation and support the gas flare down initiatives of the Federal Government.
“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 stated in a press release by the NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.
Kyari attributed the company’s strides in upstream and gas infrastructure projects to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in utilising gas resources to fuel industrialisation, achieve energy security and foster economic growth and development.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the development as an unprecedented feat in the history of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He said natural gas remains a veritable vehicle for accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic growth and prosperity.
Ekpo assured NNPCL and its partners of Federal Government’s support. He 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, Usman Ododo, appreciated 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.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of NNPCL and its partners for finding Ajaokuta and Kogi State worthy of gas investments.
He added that the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment, including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teaming population.
Ododo 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, NNPCL, Chief Pius Akinyelure, said the milestone marked a significant advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector.
He added that it aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a new era of sustainable energy, energy security and industrial growth.
