▪︎Groundbreaking of five mini-LNG plants by the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, in Kogi State, yesterday.
The NNPC Ltd. and its partners have launched five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, on Thursday.
The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
In a statement, Olufemi SoneyeChief Corporate Communications OfficerNNPC Ltd.Abuja, said that the ceremony signaled the commencement of construction works on the five Mini-LNG plants namely: NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG Arete.
NNPC Ltd. has a stake in three of the five 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.
The Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari 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.
He said 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 Federal Government’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.” Kyari added.
He attributed the Company’s strides in upstream and gas infrastructure projects to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in utilizing 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, said natural gas remains a veritable vehicle for accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic growth and prosperity.
Ekpo, who assured NNPC Ltd and its partners of Federal Government’s support, stressed 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.
In his remarks, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for locating the 5 Mini-LNG plants in the State. Governor Ododo, described the investments as a step forward in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security.
Ekpo noted: ” I commend NNPC Ltd. and its partners for their dedication to making this vision a reality. These plants—Prime LNG Plant, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, NGML/GasNexus LNG, and LNG Arete—are designed to expand access to clean energy by taking gas from existing pipelines, liquefying it, and distributing it across the country, especially to regions that currently lack access to affordable gas. Natural gas is a key driver of our economy, and with these mini LNG plants, we are accelerating energy transition, reducing our carbon footprint, and creating new opportunities for businesses and communities. This initiative will play a pivotal role in ensuring that more Nigerians benefit from cleaner, cheaper, and more accessible energy. I look forward to seeing the timely execution of these projects and remain committed to supporting NNPC Ltd. and all stakeholders as we push forward in transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The Governor, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of NNPC Ltd and its partners for finding Ajaokuta and Kogi State worthy of gas investments added that the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment, including direct and indirect employment for the State’s teaming population.
He assured of the State government’s support for 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., Chief Pius Akinyelure, 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.