By Adewale Sanyaolu
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, yesterday, flagged off the construction of five mini Lquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The projects, a collaboration between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to harness its abundant natural gas resources.
In a speech at the inauguration for the projects, Ekpo described the event as historic, signifying the seriousness the Federal Government attaches to deepening utilisation of the country’s abundant natural gas resources.
“I commend the outstanding efforts of NNPC Ltd. and its partners who worked round the clock to achieve this milestone event,” Ekpo said, praising the teamwork that made the projects possible. “As we look forward to a smooth and safe project delivery of all five plants, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) stands with you, NNPC Ltd. and partners, to support initiatives that align with our goals.”
The five mini LNG plants – Prime LNG Plant, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, NGML/GasNexus LNG, and LNG Arete – are designed to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic growth, and prosperity by taking gas from the existing pipelines, liquefying it and transporting it to far reaching areas in the nooks and crannies of the country, especially in the Northern Region.
Ekpo emphasised that “Natural gas is a veritable vehicle for catalyzing Nigeria’s economic growth, while also working to achieve the Nation’s commitments to a just and equitable energy transition.”
He said with these mini LNG plants, Nigeria is poised to deepen its gas utilisation, reduce its carbon footprint, and enhance the well-being of its people.
NNPCL’s Group CEO, Mele Kolo Kyari, in his speech said Kogi State will be the biggest beneficiary of the project.
According to Kyari, the decision to embark on the projects simultaneously was driven by the need to expedite gas delivery to meet the country’s growing energy demands.
Kyari said the project has reached an advanced stage, with equipment already arriving at the port and undergoing clearance for delivery to the site. He emphasised the significance of the project, describing it as a “game-changer” for the federal government’s efforts to provide affordable fuel to Nigerians.
He said the facility will enable gas delivery to all parts of the country, supporting the government’s policy of promoting gas as the preferred energy transition fuel.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, commended President Tinubu for providing cleaner and cheaper energy solutions for Nigeria. He also expressed gratitude to the President for his dedication to making the LNG project in Ajaokuta a reality, describing him as a leader committed to meeting the country’s energy needs.
The Governor highlighted the significance of the LNG project, noting its potential to create critical infrastructure, drive economic growth, and boost job creation in Kogi State.
The NNPC Prime LNG Plant, one of the five projects, will process gas purchased from upstream producers, producing LNG with LPG and condensates as by-products. The LNG will be distributed across the country using specialized trucks.