By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Federal Government is committed to replicating mini LNG projects across all geopolitical zones of the country in line with President Tinubu’s initiatives to drive the economy using natural gas, Minister of State Petroleum Resources(Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said.
Ekpo,disclosed this at the ongoing Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) which entered its second day in Abuja,yesterday.
The Minister who lauded the NNPCL GCEO, Mr.Mele Kyari, for mini-LNG initiative also highlighted the substantial progress made in gas infrastructure development, policy reforms, gas utilization, and domestic initiatives, marking a remarkable turnaround for the sector.
He maintained that Nigeria’s gas sector has witnessed significant transformation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu,
Ekpo further commended NNPCL and private sector partners for their investments in mini LNG projects in the country.
The partnership, he said, has seen the establishment of five mini LNG plants – Prime LNG Plant, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, NGML/GasNexus LNG, and LNG Arete in Ajaokuta, Kogi State – all designed to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization, economic growth, and prosperity by taking gas from existing pipelines, liquefying it, and transporting it to far-reaching areas, especially in the Northern Region.
“The Federal Government is attracting investment in LNG, CNG, and gas-to-chemicals, and by fostering a business-friendly environment, Nigeria is building a sustainable gas ecosystem that drives industrialization, job creation, and energy security, ensuring a cleaner and prosperous future.”
The Gas Minister who was also on the ministerial panel during the event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Decade of Gas initiative, launched in 2021, which aims to position Nigeria as a leading gas-powered economy by 2030 through infrastructure expansion, increased domestic utilization, and export growth. Key projects include pipeline development, gas-based industries, and gas-to-power initiatives.
He said in response to the 2023 fuel subsidy removal and subsequent petrol price surge, the government initiated a nationwide compressed natural gas (CNG) programme to provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation alternatives
“With over 100,000 vehicles targeted for conversion and a $200 million investment in CNG infrastructure, this programme is crucial in reducing transportation costs and promoting energy sustainability,” said Ekpo.
The Obrikom, Obiafo, Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline projects remain flagship initiatives in Nigeria’s national gas expansion drive, according to Ekpo.
He said the AKK pipeline, spanning 614 kilometers, is expected to enhance gas supply to key industrial and commercial hubs across Nigeria.
“With an expected completion date of 2025, this $2.8 billion initiative will stimulate industrialization, create jobs, and attract investments in manufacturing and power generation.”