The Federal Government, yesterday, unveiled three vital gas infrastructure projects in Imo and Delta to bolster the country’s gas sector.
President Bola Tinubu, during the virtual inauguration of the projects, expressed satisfaction and extended congratulations to Nigerians for the remarkable accomplishments achieved within months of his administration.
He officially opened the ANOH-OB3 CTMS gas pipeline and ANOH gas processing plant in Assa, Ohaji /Egbema in Imo State, as well as the expansion of the AHL gas processing plant 2 gas project in Kwale, Delta.
These initiatives are being executed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) and its partners in alignment with Tinubu’s commitment to harness gas resources for economic growth.
As per NNPC Ltd, these projects will enhance the country’s gas production capacity by 500MMscf/d and extend the gas pipeline network by 23.3 kilometers.
“This inauguration holds great importance for our nation as it signifies the administration’s dedicated efforts to expedite the development of crucial gas infrastructures.
“It is also aimed at significantly improving energy supply to stimulate industrial growth and generate employment opportunities.
“Moreover, these projects are fully in line with the decade of gas initiative and the Federal Government’s endeavor to extract value from the country’s abundant gas resources.
“Simultaneously, they aim to eliminate gas flaring and expedite industrialization.”
He mentioned that approximately 500MMscf of gas will be provided to the domestic market from these two Gas Processing Plants, equating to over 25 percent incremental growth in gas supply.
“In essence, this means more gas for the power sector, gas-based industries, and other vital sectors of the economy.
“I, therefore, applaud the strategic foresight of NNPC Ltd and its partners, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and Seplat Energy Plc for these commendable and value-adding projects.”
While emphasizing his administration’s intention to diversify from petrol and diesel, he noted significant progress in incentivizing gas development through Presidential Executive Orders.
He assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to intensify the coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that will ensure the earliest realization of gas-fueled prosperity in Nigeria.
Likewise, he assured investors in the energy sector that his government will persist in facilitating ease of doing business.
“The theme of this commissioning – from Gas to Prosperity; Renewed Hope, must be embraced by all gas sector participants and potential investors.
“This serves as a call to ramp up efforts to accelerate investment and project development in the gas sector on a mutually beneficial basis.”
Tinubu praised the efforts of NNPC Ltd, alongside SEEPCO and Seplat Energy, in their business partnership while congratulating Nigerians on the successful execution of the three projects.
“I reiterate the Federal Government’s commitment to continue supporting the deepening of domestic gas utilization.
“This is to enhance national power generation capacity, revitalize industries, and create numerous job opportunities for economic growth.
“I have the privilege to inaugurate the expansion of the projects in line with this administration’s commitment to provide energy for Nigerians.
“I urge NNPC Ltd as our national energy company of choice to maintain its relentless efforts and achieve more successes in the energy sector for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he stated.
Earlier, the Group Chief Executive Officer, of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, reaffirmed NNPC’s dedication to ensuring energy security by executing more strategic gas projects for the benefit of Nigerians.
“These three infrastructure projects will enable additional gas processing capacity and boost the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), thereby reducing import dependency.
“Furthermore, these projects align fully with the Federal Government’s objective to derive value from the nation’s gas assets while eliminating gas flaring and transitioning to environmentally friendly energy sources.
“Nigeria possesses significant natural gas resources, with over 209TCF of proven gas reserves, and the potential to expand to over 600TCF.
“As a commercial entity, these milestone projects present an opportunity to monetize our abundant natural gas resources by expanding access to energy to support economic growth, industrialization, and job creation.”
While reiterating the corporation’s efforts to drive the sector, Kyari mentioned that NNPC was installing CNG delivery facilities in its retail stations nationwide.
He expressed gratitude for the support from various stakeholders in ensuring the completion of these projects.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekerikpe Ekpo, reiterated that the projects would enhance domestic gas availability, boost power generation, and accelerate industrialization in Nigeria.
He stated that the administration’s efforts, in line with the climate control agreement, would steer the nation towards achieving green energy self-sufficiency by 2060.
He commended the president for his forward-thinking leadership and encouragement, which contributed to the successful execution of the projects being inaugurated.
The event was attended by senior government officials, partners, and stakeholders in the sector.
By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
