President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared his administration’s commitment to deepening gas utilization in Nigeria and place the country on the journey to energy sufficiency.
The President who state said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of 5 mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, maintained that the country is on the right track in it’s March towards energy sufficiency.
The President who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Gas, Ekeperipe Ekpo, emphasized the importance of the project in Nigeria’s energy strategy.
“This strategy aligns with the country’s dual approach to energy development, leveraging international partnerships for renewable energy while optimizing domestic gas reserves”
“The project, developed in partnership with various industry players, including NNPC Limited and its partners, will be constructed on 33,000 hectares of land.
“With a combined capacity of 84.5 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, and a $500 million investment, the plants will produce Condensate, LNG, LPG, and CNG, increasing gas availability in the country.
“The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Speaking also the Governor of Kogi state, Ahmed Usman Ododo, assured that the State will provide all necessary support and the enabling environment for the realization of the projects objective.
Governor Ododo emphasized the significance of the project in boosting the State’s economy and creating employment opportunities for its citizens.
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, commended the Ajaokuta gas project, stating that it is a testament to the effectiveness of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Ahmed noted that Ajaokuta is rapidly becoming a hub for gas infrastructure, emphasizing the crucial role of gas as a transitional fuel in the country’s energy transition.
Earlier the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu, noted that the establishment of Five LNG plant within the territory of Ajaokuta Steel Company marks the journey of the nation towards energy self-sufficiency. This is significant and in line with the renewed hope agenda of the president.
He noted that the president is very committed and making steady progress in the revitalization of the Ajaokuta steel project, to fully industrialize the country.
On her part the Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial district, Senator Natasha Apkoti-uduagha said the project was capable of generating massive employment opportunities, catalyse the Nigeria economy and create wealth for the people of the area and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking also the House of Representatives member, representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem Egidi said that construction of 5 Mini LNG Plants, within the premises of the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi state, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s natural resources and transforming the Ajaokuta community into industrial hub.
The Member noted that the move is an eloquent testament to the unwavering commitment of the federal government to harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources for the prosperity of the people and the growth of the nation by the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking further he said “On behalf of the host community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their visionary leadership and unwavering support in bringing this transformative project to Ajaokuta. Your dedication to the development of our region and the well-being of our people is truly commendable.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support and crucial role to ensure the success of this project. I wish to thank my esteemed constituents especially the Youths for their hospitality, continuous cooperation and support in safeguarding the National Assets in Ajaokuta thereby attracting more National projects leading to sustainable national development.
According to him, the 5 Mini LNG Plants will harness natural gas reserves, position Ajaokuta as a critical hub for energy production, and bring opportunities for jobs, businesses, and a better future.
“As we break ground today, let us remember that this is not just about constructing plants; it’s about building a future. A future where Ajaokuta is at the forefront of industrial development in Nigeria.