…seeks collaboration among stakeholders.
Lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has described the establishment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Kogi State as a new paradigm shift in the energy sector, calling for collaboration amongst stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Ajaokuta gas initiative.
She stated this during the groundbreaking event of the five mini LNG plants by NNPC and its counterparts in Ajaokuta, on Thursday.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that natural gas represents a promising future for Ajaokuta, Kogi, and Nigeria as a whole.
According to her, the successful completion of the project will enable the supply of gas to businesses in the northern region, driving economic growth and development.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan encouraged stakeholders to focus on developing the downstream sector of steel and gas in Ajaokuta and Kogi, promoting industrialisation and economic growth.
She further commended NNPC, BUA, Gasnexus, Highland, and Arete for their joint efforts in achieving the feat. She also extended her appreciation to royal fathers for the role they played in forging peaceful coexistence.
“In the nearest future, we are going to have Ajaokuta steel working and all these companies that would be birth out of steel company would require energy to power.
“Congratulations to us all! We are among the luckiest. Let every Nigerian trust in our peaceful environment and commitment to collaboration. Kogi State is a peaceful land, and we promise to be the best host. God bless you all,” she added.
In his speech, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari disclosed that the necessary equipment for the projects is already at the port and being cleared for delivery, allowing work to commence immediately.
He emphasized that the project’s location is ideal, as NNPC’s pipeline already reaches the site, with gas readily available for connection to the five mini LNG plants. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the project’s establishment.
Kyari described the initiative as the foundation of gas development in Nigeria and a key alternative energy source.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the project as part of the federal government’s commitment to energy transition and clean energy.
Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Engr. Michael Fagbemi, stressed that President Tinubu’s CNG drive cannot succeed without gas access, adding that the project aims to provide affordable fuel to Nigerians through CNG.
When completed the five mini LNG plants in Ajaokuta, have the capacity to produce 421 metric tons of gas per day.
The five mini LNG plants are; Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete are production system for LNG, LPG, CNG and condensate.
In attendance were; Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Steel Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, and Chairman House Committee on Gas, Hon. Nicholas Mutu.
Others are; Chairman NNPC Board of Directors, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Managing Director, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, Chief Executive Officer NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, MD NNPC Trading Ltd, Mrs. Uzoma Emelife, Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Chief Executive Presidential CNG Initiative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, President NUPENG, Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, President PENGASON, Festus Osifo, amongst several other stakeholders
