By Darasimi Kikelomo
Nigeria, known for its vast oil reserves, is pivoting towards gas with the inauguration of three pivotal gas infrastructure projects by President Bola Tinubu. Positioned in Imo, Rivers, and Delta States, these projects mark a significant shift towards harnessing the country’s gas potential akin to industry leaders like Australia or Qatar.
The trio of gas projects will collectively bolster the nation’s gas production capacity by 500MMscf/d while expanding the gas pipeline network by 23.3 kilometers. This expansion aligns with President Tinubu’s directive for government entities to adopt compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, further emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Tinubu emphasized that these projects not only support the government’s goal of extracting value from Nigeria’s gas resources but also contribute to reducing gas flaring. He highlighted the accelerated delivery of these projects since the inception of his administration, reflecting a strategic focus on bolstering domestic gas supply to fuel economic growth.
The increased gas supply, estimated at 500mmscf/d, promises to foster a conducive investment environment and drive balanced economic development. Tinubu hailed the commissioning as a pivotal step towards enhancing energy supply for industrial expansion and job creation, echoing the principles of the Decade of Gas initiative.
In his remarks, Tinubu commended the foresight of NNPC Limited and its partners, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), and Seplat Energy Plc, in spearheading these transformative projects. He underscored the significance of the increased gas supply to power generation, industrial sectors, and overall economic vitality.
With approximately 25% growth in gas supply, these projects signal a tangible step towards sustainable energy utilization and economic advancement. Tinubu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for national development and environmental stewardship.