The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has assured that the five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas plants under construction in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, will be completed on schedule.
Kyari gave this assurance on Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the plants, emphasizing that the necessary equipment has already arrived in Nigeria and is being cleared at the ports.
The five mini-LNG projects include, NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, LNG Arete.
Dignitaries at the event included Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo; Chairman of NNPC Limited Board, Pius Akinyelure; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Minister of Steel, Shuaibu Abubakar and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, among others.
Kyari highlighted the critical role of gas in Nigeria’s industrialization and assured that the project would not be delayed.
“This project will be delivered in good time. This is not just a groundbreaking event equipment for this location is already at the ports, and we have set delivery dates for all the projects. They will be completed on schedule,” he stated.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s gas revolution, stating: “The President was very clear that this is the time for a gas revolution. Nigeria has enormous gas reserves, and he sees gas as the vehicle for industrialization. This must be done we won’t want stories.”
Kyari further emphasized that the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas initiative cannot succeed without reliable gas supply, and the mini LNG plants are designed to provide cheap and accessible gas for Nigerians.
“The drive for this project is coming directly from the President. We and our partners believe that this is a very good investment for our country,” he added.
The NNPC CEO appreciated the Kogi State Government and host communities for their support and cooperation, which he said is essential for the project’s success.
“We cannot achieve this without the support of the host communities. We have seen strong backing from the people of this community, and Kogi State will be the first beneficiary of this project.
“We at NNPC must deliver all gas projects in the country. These projects will be the backbone of Nigeria’s energy sector and economic development.
“This initiative will bring gas closer to consumers at a cheaper cost, and the benefits will be visible across the country,” Kyari added.
Speaking at the event, NNPC Board Chairman, Pius Akinyelure, emphasized that the mini-LNG plants align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a new era of sustainable energy and energy security for Nigerians.
“Nigeria is blessed with 209 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas. This project offers a transformative opportunity to drive economic development and strengthen energy security,” Akinyelure stated.
He added, “This plant demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in improving power generation, boosting industrialization, and ensuring energy security.
“The project plays a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s gas industrialization agenda, accelerating economic growth, and contributing to sustainable development.
“The NNPC remains committed to harnessing Nigeria’s gas resources to drive national prosperity and create a cleaner, sustainable future for Nigeria’s economy.”
With the mini-LNG plants set for timely delivery, the NNPC is reinforcing its position at the forefront of Nigeria’s energy transition, paving the way for enhanced gas accessibility and industrial growth.
