Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, says that the Nigerian Government is attracting investment in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and gas-to-chemicals, by fostering a business-friendly environment.
Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja, Mr. Ekpo stated that the Nigeria is building a sustainable gas ecosystem that drives industrialisation, job creation, and energy security and ensuring a cleaner and prosperous future.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Decade of Gas initiative, which aims to position Nigeria as a leading gas-powered economy by 2030 through infrastructure expansion, increased domestic utilisation, and export growth.
He disclosed that the key projects under the initiative include pipeline development, gas-based industries, and gas-to-power initiatives.
According to him, the Obrikom, Obiafo, Oben, and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline projects remain flagship initiatives in Nigeria’s national gas expansion drive.
The minister explained the AKK pipeline, spanning 614km, 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 industrialisation, create jobs, and attract investments in manufacturing and power generation,” he said.
The minister also insisted that the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will reduce the high cost of transportation in Nigeria despite the challenges associated with the conversion.
Ekpo stated that Nigeria’s gas sector has witnessed significant transformation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence that the CNG will get to all Nigerians as an alternative to petrol and diesel.
Highlighting the substantial progress in gas infrastructure development, policy reforms, gas utilisation, and domestic initiatives, he noted that the sector has made a remarkable turnaround.
According to him, following the 2023 fuel subsidy removal and subsequent petrol price surge; the Nigerian government initiated a nationwide 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,” Ekpo said.
He also commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the private sector partners for their investments in mini LNG projects in Nigeria.
The partnership, he stated, 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 industrialisation, economic growth, and prosperity by taking gas from existing pipelines, liquefying it, and transporting it to far-reaching areas, especially in the Northern region.
GIK/APA