Ekpo Commends NNPCL, Private Sector Partnerships On Mini LNG Projects

… Assures CNG Programme’ll Provide Nigerians Cost-effective Transportation
ABUJA
The minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said Nigeria’s gas sector has witnessed significant transformation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
  Ekpo stated this, Tuesday, at the Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja, and highlighted the substantial progress made in gas infrastructure development, policy reforms, gas utilisation, and domestic initiatives, marking a remarkable turnaround for the sector.
  He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and private sector partners for their investments in mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in the country.
The partnership 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.
Ekpo praised NNPCL’s group chief executive officer, Malam Mele Kyari, for his commitment to replicating these mini LNG projects across all geopolitical zones of the country in line with President Tinubu’s initiatives to drive the economy, using natural gas.
  “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 industrialisation, job creation, and energy security, ensuring a cleaner and prosperous future,” Ekpo said.
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, noting that “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.”
  According to him, the Obrikom, Obiafo, Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline projects remain flagship initiatives in Nigeria’s national gas expansion drive.
Ekpo 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 industrialisation, create jobs, and attract investments in manufacturing and power generation.”