'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that the establishment of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta will transform the state into a strategic energy hub, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the LNG plants in Ajaokuta on Thursday, Governor Ododo described the project, spearheaded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in partnership with private sector firms, as a landmark initiative. He emphasized its potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy landscape, boost economic growth, and underscore Kogi’s significance in the nation’s industrial development.
“This project is not just about gas production; it is about economic transformation, job creation, and ensuring that our state plays a central role in Nigeria’s energy future,” Governor Ododo stated.
Highlighting the economic impact, Governor Ododo explained that the LNG plants, with an initial combined production capacity of over 80 million cubic feet per day, will serve both national and international energy markets. He added that the project aligns with his administration’s vision of fostering industrial growth, creating jobs, and developing a skilled workforce to support Kogi’s emerging energy sector.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in driving Nigeria’s energy transition and for mobilizing NNPC Limited and private partners, including Prime LNG, NGML/GASNEXUS LNG, LNG Arete, Highland LNG, and BUA LNG, to invest in the project. He expressed optimism that the LNG plants would advance sustainable energy solutions and significantly reduce carbon emissions in Kogi and across Nigeria.
Governor Ododo assured stakeholders that his government remains committed to creating an enabling environment, ensuring peace and security, and attracting further investments to the state.
In his remarks, NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, emphasized that the project is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to revolutionize the gas sector and position it as a key driver of economic prosperity. He assured that all necessary equipment was ready for deployment and that the project would be completed on schedule, thanks to collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Kyari also lauded Governor Ododo for engaging host communities, who he noted would be the primary beneficiaries of the initiative.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpo Ekpo, credited President Tinubu’s executive order for fast-tracking the project’s development. He stressed that the initiative supports the government’s goal of maximizing Nigeria’s vast gas resources to drive industrialization and economic growth.
Similarly, the Minister for Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, noted that the LNG project aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at two of the project sites, was attended by top government officials, investors, and industry stakeholders, marking a significant step towards Nigeria’s energy transformation and industrialization efforts.
