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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using Nigeria’s vast gas resources to create jobs, improve electricity supply, support industries and increase export earnings.
He spoke on Thursday while receiving the Founder and Chairman of Lee Engineering Group, Chief Leemon Ikpea, at the State House, Abuja, following the company’s construction of two compressor stations for the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System.
The stations are expected to enable the pipeline to operate at its full capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, following the expansion of its designed capacity from 1.1 billion standard cubic feet per day under the ELPS II project.
Lee Engineering is handling the engineering, procurement and construction of the two midline compressor stations in Edo State. The facilities are required to increase operating pressure and allow the pipeline to transport gas at its expanded capacity.
The project is expected to improve gas delivery to power plants and industries along the pipeline corridor, while supporting increased supplies to neighbouring West African countries through the West African Gas Pipeline. It is also expected to create opportunities for additional export revenue.
Tinubu used the meeting to reiterate his administration’s Nigeria First policy, urging international oil companies operating in the country to give qualified Nigerian engineering and manufacturing firms greater opportunities to execute major energy projects.
He said the policy should translate into more contracts for capable local companies, increased use of locally manufactured equipment and more skilled employment for Nigerians.
The President encouraged international oil companies to build stronger partnerships with indigenous engineering firms that had demonstrated their ability to deliver complex projects.
He also highlighted the 2024 executive orders and presidential directives introduced by his administration to strengthen local content compliance, reduce contracting costs and shorten approval timelines, saying the measures were aimed at attracting investment and expanding opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Earlier, Ikpea commended the President’s Nigeria First policy, disclosing that Lee Engineering’s fabrication yard in Warri, Delta State, was manufacturing some components for the compressor stations.
He said the facility housed advanced fabrication equipment and that Nigerian companies had invested significantly in modern technology, equipment and skilled personnel.
According to Ikpea, indigenous firms now have the capacity to execute complex engineering, procurement and construction projects that were previously handled by foreign contractors.
He said greater participation by local companies would help retain jobs, technical expertise and more economic value within Nigeria.
