Kogiflame
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening gas utilization in Nigeria.
The President said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of 5 mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekeperipe Ekpo, who represented President Tinubu at the event, emphasized the project’s importance in Nigeria’s energy strategy.
“This strategy aligns with the country’s dual approach to energy development, leveraging international partnerships for renewable energy while optimizing domestic gas reserves”
The project, developed in partnership with various industry players, including NNPC Limited and its partners, will be constructed on 33,000 hectares of land.
With a combined capacity of 84.5 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, and a $500 million investment, the plants will produce Condensate, LNG, LPG, and CNG, increasing gas availability in the country.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Also speaking the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, assured that the State will provide all necessary support for the realization of the project.
Governor Ododo emphasized the significance of the project in boosting the State’s economy and creating employment opportunities for its citizens.
The Authority Chief Executive (ACE) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, commended the Ajaokuta gas project, stating that it is a testament to the effectiveness of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Ahmed noted that Ajaokuta is rapidly becoming a hub for gas infrastructure, emphasizing the crucial role of gas as a transitional fuel in the country’s energy transition.
The groundbreaking ceremony, themed “From Gas to Prosperity: Catalysing Nigeria’s Economic Growth,” was attended by members of the National Assembly, Heads of Federal agencies, and traditional rulers.
As Nigeria races towards its 2030 energy access target, this groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards energy sufficiency.
The project is poised to create huge employment opportunities, stimulate industrial development, and ensure access to cleaner and more affordable energy for households, businesses, and industries.
A member representing Ajaokuta federal Constituency, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem Egidi in his speech said that construction of 5 Mini LNG Plants, within the premises of the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi state, marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s natural resources and transforming the Ajaokuta community and Nigeria as a whole into industrial hub.
He noted that the move is an eloquent testament to the unwavering commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources for the prosperity of the people and the growth of the nation by the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking further he said “On behalf of the host community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their visionary leadership and unwavering support in bringing this transformative project to Ajaokuta. Your dedication to the development of our region and the well-being of our people is truly commendable.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support and crucial role to ensure the success of this project. I wish to thank my esteemed constituents especially the Youths for their hospitality, continuous cooperation and support in safeguarding the National Assets in Ajaokuta thereby attracting more National projects leading to sustainable national development.
He equally thanked the and NNPC, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the honorable minister and the investors for their efforts in making the project a huge reality confidence in Ajaokuta and its people and promise to match their trust with support and cooperation.
According to him, the 5 Mini LNG Plants will harness natural gas reserves, position Ajaokuta as a critical hub for energy production, and bring opportunities for jobs, businesses, and a better future.
“As we break ground today, let us remember that this is not just about constructing plants; it’s about building a future. A future where Ajaokuta is at the forefront of industrial development in Nigeria.
“The theme of today’s ceremony, “From Gas to Prosperity: Catalyzing Nigeria’s Economic Growth,” encapsulates the vision and purpose behind this monumental project. It is a vision that aligns with our national agenda to diversify our economy, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“For too long, our abundant natural gas reserves have remained largely untapped, while our people grapple with poverty and underdevelopment. This project, however, promises to change that narrative.
“However, as we embark on this journey, it is crucial to ensure that the benefits of this project are equitably shared with our people. We must prioritize: Community development initiatives, Environmental protection, Capacity building, Community engagement, Host Community Equity, Compliance and implementation of Legislative Acts
I am confident that this project, with the inclusion of the host community as a genuine partner, will not only transform the economic landscape of Ajaokuta but also serve as a model for sustainable development across Nigeria. Let us work together to ensure the successful implementation of this project and unlock the full potential of our natural resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.
