By Edoamaowo Udeme
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has described NesGas 50,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and propane depot as loaded with prospects of bridging ongoing energy demands, mitigating environmental impact associated with traditional fossil fuels, creating massive employment opportunities for citizens while also boosting the overall growth of the economy.
Ekpo stated this on Wednesday, while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the project site at the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Onne, Rivers State.
The Minister described NESGAS’s investment in the project as an incredible milestone in unlocking the country’s abundant gas potential to support cleaner, more sustainable energy sources and diversify the economy.
“The private sector’s dedication to investing in infrastructure that will facilitate the storage, delivery, and consumption of clean energy is demonstrated by NESGAS’s development of this 50,000 metric tons LPG and propane depot” said Ekpo.
The immediate environmental advantages, the construction of this depot promises to boost the local economy and provide jobs across the country. Employment opportunities will be created along the entire value chain, from construction to operation, promoting skill development and economic inclusion,” he stressed.
“The Federal Government was aggressively working to establish laws and regulations that will guarantee transparency, draw in more funding, and provide an even playing field for all players in the market.” He assured adding that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to fostering an atmosphere that will support the expansion of the gas industry.
“As the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Gas, I am here to support the growth of the gas industry in Nigeria, but I am also an official supporter of this cause. Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural gas resources, and it is our duty to harness this potential to drive the nation’s socio-economic development,” he added.
Speaking on the project, MD/CEO of NESGAS, Mr. Tunde Banjo, said the mission was to eliminate energy poverty in Africa through the investment.
“As we embark on the groundbreaking of our latest project, the 50,000 metric tonnes LPG Onne depot, we are on a journey towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future for Africa,” he said.
Earlier during the overview of the project, Tunde Banjo had said that the project presents the dawn of a new chapter in Africa’s energy story.
“NESGAS leads the way in improving energy gap by enhancing socio economic growth and prioritizing environmental sustainability”
In his submission the Managing Director/ CEO GAS360, the technical company in the partnership, Emmanuel Uwandu said the project has multiple potential and the ability to provide about three million small businesses.
“The NESGAS team should be incorporated into the economic planning of Nigeria, we will ensure even those in the creeks get clean cooking gas”
Panelists at the discussion who involved players in the industry and stakeholders were of the opinion that there should be massive production of Gas for the good of the people and the environment, even as regulations are also put in place to ensure standards are met READ ALSO:
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The NESGAS fifty thousand metric tonnes LPG Depot Project is a collective effort of various companies including NESGAS Producing Limited ,GAS360, Modern West Advisory and Hebron Gas Infrastructure Company. Also present were heads of various security agencies .
Highlight of the ground breaking ceremony was the signing of the agreements, partnerships and panel discussion on ‘ Strategies for Successful Market Penetration in LPG Industry: Policy, Funding, LPG supply, Local content and Domestic Partnerships.
Todays event also witnessed the signing of partnership and collaboration agreement deals between Nesgas and Gas360, Modern West Advisory and Hebron Gas Infrastructure Limited.
