LNG Plants in Kogi Mark a New Era in Energy Development – Senator Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district, has hailed the establishment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Kogi State as a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector. She emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to realize the objectives of the Ajaokuta gas initiative.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the five mini LNG plants by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its partners in Ajaokuta on Thursday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the immense potential of natural gas in driving economic growth for Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large.

She underscored that the completion of the project would facilitate gas supply to businesses across the northern region, fostering industrialization and economic expansion. She urged stakeholders to invest in the downstream steel and gas sectors in Ajaokuta and Kogi, further propelling industrial development.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan commended NNPC and its partners—BUA, Gasnexus, Highland, and Arete—for their collective efforts in bringing the project to fruition. She also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers in ensuring a peaceful environment for the initiative.

“In the near future, Ajaokuta Steel will be operational, and the industries that emerge from it will require energy to thrive. This project marks a significant step towards fulfilling that need,” she remarked. “Kogi State is a land of peace and progress, and we are committed to fostering an environment conducive to investment and collaboration. Congratulations to us all!”

NNPC CEO Affirms Readiness for Project Implementation

NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, confirmed that essential equipment for the project has arrived at the port and is being cleared for delivery, ensuring work commences without delay. He emphasized that the project’s strategic location aligns with NNPC’s existing pipeline infrastructure, guaranteeing seamless gas supply to the five mini LNG plants. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the initiative.

Kyari described the project as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s gas development strategy and a vital alternative energy source.

Federal Government’s Commitment to Energy Transition

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, reiterated that the project aligns with the federal government’s energy transition agenda and commitment to clean energy solutions.

Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, Engr. Michael Fagbemi, emphasized that President Tinubu’s push for CNG adoption depends on widespread gas availability. He highlighted the project’s role in ensuring affordable fuel options for Nigerians through CNG.

Project Capacity and Key Stakeholders

Once completed, the five mini LNG plants in Ajaokuta will have the capacity to produce 421 metric tons of gas daily. The plants—Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete—will focus on the production of LNG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), CNG, and condensate.

Dignitaries present at the event included 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.

Also in attendance were Chairman NNPC Board of Directors Chief Pius Akinyelure, NNPC GCEO Mele Kyari, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Engr. Farouk Ahmed, MD NNPC Trading Ltd Mrs. Uzoma Emelife, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, and President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Festus Osifo, among other key stakeholders.