Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says the new Oredo Integrated Gas Handling Facility (IGHF) will boost the establishment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through improved power supply to the immediate environment.

Mr. Kyari spoke on Tuesday in Oredo, Edo, during the inauguration of the 200-million cubic litre capacity IGHF/Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) by President Muhammadu Buhari in Ologbo community.

He said the gas plant would also provide social amenities to the immediate host community and enhance the quality of livelihood of the people.

“The conception and delivery of this project hinges principally on NNPC’s commitment to support national aspirations for increased domestic gas utilisation.

“It will enhance LPG utilisation among Nigerian households to support energy efficiency and curtail environmental degradation.

“This facility is constructed on two two plots – the Process/Cryogenic plant and the LPG/Propane Storage and Dispensing Plant.

“The facility is equipped with eight dispensing arms and storage capacities of 2,600 and 1,550 metric tons of LPG and propane respectively,” he said.

According to him, the key enablers for the realisation of this project are substantially anchored on the president’s strategic vision that set the growth of the gas sector as one of its cardinal priorities to help harness Nigeria’s abundant natural gas.

In his remarks, Timipre Sylva, junior petroleum resources minister, said inaugurating Oredo IGHF plant at the close of year told a lot on his determination to deliver on his promises in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Sylva noted that the accomplishment of the project highlighted the commitment of the NNPC in eliminating gas flare

“Nigeria has made unprecedented strides in the area of gas infrastructure development that will facilitate exploitation and monetisation of Nigeria’s massive gas resources for national development.

“Beyond the swathe of social amenities and employment opportunities, the project will offer broad vistas for business development among the host communities,” Mr. Sylva said

According to the Minister, NNPC and its affiliates are clearly providing leadership in the industry by championing the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian government towards aggressive gas sector investments.