The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and its partners on Thursday launched 97mmscf/d capacity five (5) mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, an epic groundbreaking ceremony signaled the commencement of construction works on the 5 Mini-LNG plants namely: NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG Arete.
Soneye stated that the company has stake in 3 of the 5 mini-LNG plants (90% in Prime LNG, 50% in NGML/Gasnexus LNG and 10% in BUA LNG), while Highland LNG and LNG Arete are developed by other private companies.
“All in all, the plants have a combined capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d). This unprecedented partnership between NNPC Ltd. and private investors represent a strategic leap towards energy sufficiency, off-grid industrial support and carbon emission reduction in the country,” he said.
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari speaking at the ceremony reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to Federal Government’s gas-to-power aspirations, noting that natural gas holds the key to unlocking a bright and prosperous future for Nigeria, and a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, and economic diversification.
Kyari explained that the projects play a critical role in increasing access to energy for millions of Nigerians, providing job opportunities, promoting economic growth and contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while creating opportunities for gas commercialisation and supporting the FG’s flare down initiatives.
“These Mini LNG facilities will ensure the efficient transportation of gas over long distances, providing a cleaner and cheaper source of energy to households, mobility, industries, and businesses. This is particularly important for regions that currently lack access to gas pipeline infrastructure,” he remarked.
The GCEO attributed the company’s strides in upstream and gas infrastructure projects to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in utilising gas resources to fuel industrialisation, achieve energy security and foster economic growth and development.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who described the development as an unprecedented feat in the history of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, mentioned that natural gas remains a veritable vehicle for accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic growth and prosperity.
Ekpo assured NNPC Ltd. and its partners of FG’s support, stressing that the initiatives align with government’s aspirations of harnessing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for national economic development, reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and enhancing the well-being of Nigerians.
On his part, the Governor of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed gratitude to the FG for locating the 5 Mini-LNG plants in the state, describing it as a step forward in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of NNPC Ltd. and its partners for finding Ajaokuta and Kogi State worthy of gas investments, emphasising that the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment, including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teaming population.
He assured that his government will support the project through manpower supply, provision of adequate security and host community collaboration at the projects’ various sites from commencement to completion.
The Chairman of NNPC Ltd. Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure who also spoke at the ceremony said that the milestone marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector and aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a new era of sustainable energy, energy security, and industrial growth.
