•To crash rising energy cost, attract investments
By Adewale Sanyaolu
Efforts to deepen the Federal Government’s decade of gas initiative is beginning to gain traction as the 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day Lekki Free Zone(LFZ) gas natural gas distribution project is set to crash the zones rising energy cost while attracting fresh investments.
Managing Director of Optimera Energy, the lead consortium for the project, Mrs Audrey Joe-Ezeigbo, disclosed this at the groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of natural gas distribution to LFZ in Lagos, yesterday.
The project included a 10 kilometer distribution lines within the zone as well as a 6.5km by 10 inches gas pipeline from the Escravos-Lagos pipeline system tie-in point in the Lekki corridor outside the zone to Optimera City Gate Station at the Lagos Free Zone.
She listed other consortium partners to include; NDW Midstream, FHN Gas, and Falcon Corporation, stressing that the partnership fully recognize that natural gas distribution project is not just a strategic business venture with the Lagos Free Zone; it is a strategic intervention in the narrative of Nigeria’s energy landscape.
She said the gas distribution project would provide a more environmentally friendly source of while taking away the use of diesel by companies operating within the LFZ.
She explained that the first phase of the project will inject 25 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, adding that its pioneer customers are currently taking about 2.18 million scf per day while progressively ramping up to 100 million scf per day.
The Optimera Energy boss maintained that the ripple effects of a thriving natural gas industry will be felt across every sector and sphere of productive activity, positioning Nigeria as a beacon of economic resurgence on the African continent.
Joe-Ezeigbo added that the positive externalities of a natural gas-powered economy extend beyond just powering industries to environmental stewardship. Nigeria, like the rest of the world, stands at a crossroads in its pursuit of sustainable economic development.
According to her, the energy transition agenda has become not just a buzzword but a rallying call for nations to reevaluate their energy sources and consumption patterns.
‘‘We are fully cognizant of the significance of Natural Gas in Nigeria’s energy transition agenda. In an era where the global community is grappling with the consequences of climate change, natural gas emerges as a responsible and forward-looking choice.
It is abundantly clear that to achieve our climate goals, our gas resources provide a bridge to a cleaner, greener, more sustainable energy future.’’
Also speaking, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated that natural gas is a critical component of the country’s energy mix, offering cleaner and more efficient solutions.
‘‘The infrastructure we are launching today is not just about pipes and stations; it is about powering communities, industries, and dreams. It is about creating a foundation for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. It is about making Nigeria an economic giant within the sub region using our abundant gas resources.’’
The Minister while congratulating Optimera Energy for their visionary approach and commitment to advancing our nation’s energy landscape said the development of a 25 million standard cubic feet per day City Gate Station, scalable to 100 million standard cubic feet per day, along with the necessary ancillary infrastructure, reflects not only their dedication but also a shared vision for a thriving and resilient Nigeria.
Ekpo said the infrastructure launched yesterday is not just about pipes and stations; it is about powering communities, industries, and dreams but creating a foundation for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability which would make Nigeria an economic giant within the sub region using our abundant gas resources.