Here’s the paraphrased version, attributing it to a Nigerian writer:
By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and its strategic partners kicked off the construction of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State on Thursday. This initiative is aimed at accelerating access to gas and promoting its widespread use across Nigeria.
In collaboration with PRIME LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete, NNPC Ltd. is spearheading the development of these plants. The expansive project covers 33,000 hectares of land and boasts a combined production capacity of 97.5 million standard cubic feet of gas daily, backed by a substantial $500 million investment.
This initiative represents a critical component of the country’s virtual pipeline infrastructure and aligns with the government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda. The plants will produce Condensate, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), thus significantly boosting the availability of gas across Nigeria.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), underscored the project’s role in harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves. He expressed confidence in NNPC Ltd.’s ability to deliver the project on schedule and lauded the Kogi State government for pledging robust security to ensure smooth execution.
Ekpo emphasized that natural gas is pivotal for Nigeria’s industrial advancement, economic prosperity, and its journey toward a fair and sustainable energy transition.
“I commend the dedication of NNPC Ltd. and its partners, who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. We anticipate the timely and safe completion of all five plants,” Ekpo stated. “The Ministry fully supports initiatives that leverage Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for economic growth and environmental sustainability.”
Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., highlighted the strategic importance of the plants’ location, citing their proximity to northern markets. He affirmed that the project would provide cost-effective, reliable natural gas solutions to industrial and commercial sectors, while reducing dependence on environmentally harmful fuels.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo described the project as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions for economic growth. He noted its alignment with global efforts to combat climate change and secure energy sustainability.
“The economic implications of this project are immense, positioning Kogi for a prosperous future rooted in clean energy,” Ododo said. He assured that both the investment and the investors would be safeguarded, and praised Kogi’s rich mineral resources as a magnet for further investments.
Senator Natasha Uduaghan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the executive order that facilitated the establishment of the plant. She emphasized that gas represents the future of Nigeria’s energy sector, especially with the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project slated for completion by mid-2025.
“This project will stimulate economic activities, drive revenue generation, and hopefully rejuvenate the Ajaokuta Steel Company, contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic development,” Uduaghan noted.
The gas liquefaction project is poised to unlock new opportunities for gas commercialization, support the Federal Government’s gas flare reduction goals, and enhance gas accessibility in remote areas lacking pipeline infrastructure.
(NAN)