Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperike Ekpo, has restated federal government’s commitment to leverage on Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves for national development.
Ekpo, who spoke on June 7, at the inauguration of Nedogas Plant and the 300 MMscfd Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) Facility, in Kwale, Delta state, described the occasion as “a pivotal step forward in Nigeria’s energy sector.”
According to him, the gas infrastructure aligns with the federal government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to leverage our vast natural gas reserves for national development.
He said: “I am particularly proud to witness the commissioning of these facilities, which represent major strides in our efforts to harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources. The Nedogas Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility are more than just industrial installations; they are symbols of progress, innovation, and sustainable development.”
Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL), is a Joint Venture company between Xenergi Limited and NCDMB in collaboration with the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
The KGG facility was designed to handle stranded gas resources in Nigeria’s OML56 oil province by providing the opportunity for independent operators in the area to monetize natural gas from their fields through the gas gathering, compression, injection and metering infrastructure of the KGG for quick access to market.
He added: “The projects demonstrated the power of partnership between the government, private sector, and local communities and effectiveness of shared vision and collective effort in achieving remarkable outcomes.”
He said the gas facilities will serve as models for future projects, on how to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.
Delta governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, said the occasion marked a significant milestone in “our quest for energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.”
He said the gas facilities will ensure that Nigeria maximizes the utilization of associated gas, thereby reducing flaring and minimizing the environmental impact of our oil and gas operations.
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board,(NCDMB), Felix Ogbe, who expressed happiness at gas facilities, noted it exemplifies the board’s mandate to promote the development and utilization of local capacity in the oil and gas industry.
He said: “The Nedogas Plant and the KGG Facility are not only infrastructural achievements but also catalysts for local content development, job creation, and technological advancement.”
“The strategic importance of these facilities cannot be overemphasized. The Nedogas Plant, with its state-of-the-art processing capabilities, will significantly enhance our ability to harness and convert natural gas resources into valuable products for domestic use and export. This will not only contribute to energy security but also generate substantial economic benefits for our country.
“Similarly, the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility plays a critical role in our efforts to minimize gas flaring, an environmental challenge that has long plagued our industry. By capturing and utilizing associated gas, we are taking a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices within the oil and gas sector.”
