The federal government said that increased investments in the gas sector would create employment, boost energy supply and grow Nigeria’s economy.

The minister of state for petroleum resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this while inaugurating Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL) and its 300mmscfd Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) facility on Thursday in Kwale, Delta.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had directed  them to enforce the growth of investment in oil and gas sector, to ensure availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for domestic consumption and export.

Mr Ekpo lauded the management of Nedogas Limited for the initiative to invest in gas gathering to reposition the economy.

He said that the company would provide energy sufficiency, economic expansion, and direct and indirect employment in the country, particularly in the immediate community.

The minister urged  investors to venture into gas gathering to stop gas flaring, adding that with concerted efforts,  gas resources could be utilised to achieve economic development of the country.

“We are gathered here in Kwale, Delta, to commemorate the official commissioning of the Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) Facility and the Nedogas Plant.

“These initiatives are a result of a strategic collaboration between Nedogas Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

“It represents a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic expansion.

” The occasion today marks not just a turning point for Delta, but also a major turning point in Nigeria’s continuous quest to use its abundant natural gas resources for the country’s development,” he said.

According to the minister, Nedogas plant is part of the larger plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage sustainable practices in the oil and gas sector.

“It emphasises how dedicated the federal government is to increasing gas usage, broadening our energy sources and lessening our influence on the environment.

“We will be able to process natural gas more efficiently at the Nedogas Plant, which will increase both our domestic supply and export potential.

“This establishment promises to significantly boost our economy by generating jobs, fostering industrial expansion and ensuring energy security. It is a symbol of advancement”.

In his goodwill message, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, lauded the management of Nedogas Limited and its partners for the investment.

“One can feel the pains of every Nigerian when it comes to the issue of energy availability and affordability.

“Even more worrisome is the World Bank report that due to poor power supply in the country, businesses spend about $29 billion yearly on power.

” It is also quite unfortunate that the country is ranked as the lowest in terms of access to electricity globally,” he said.

Mr Oborevwori said that the projects would no doubt benefit Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta, in many ways.

According to him, Nigeria boasts of a reserve base of 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas which represents 33 per cent of Africa’s total gas reserves.

“This places Nigeria as the ninth among countries with a high concentration of natural gas in the world.

“With these projects, the energy needs of Nigerians will get a boost, especially in the critical area of supply.

“It is heartwarming too that this facility will have gas supplied to it by other oil companies operating in this area, which will greatly reduce the effects of gas flaring on our people.

“We are all aware that the level of gas flaring is very high in this part of the world, in spite of its acknowledged adverse effects on the climate,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of Nedogas Limited, Emeka Ene, thanked the government, strategic partners and the community for providing the needed support and enabling the environment to achieve the project.

“The KGG Facility with its impressive capacity of 300 million standard cubic feets per day (mmscfd) is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, determination and strategic partnerships converge.

“No doubt, these projects will lead to the creation of a lot of direct and indirect job opportunities, too, thereby boosting the economy of our state.

“I call for the replication of this project in other parts of our state where gas flaring is taking place to reduce its effects on our people.

“I also urge Nedogas Limited and its partner, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), to enhance the use of local content,” he said.

He urged the company to meet up with its social responsibilities and, above all, ensure a conducive and peaceful relationship with the host communities.

Other strategic partners of the company pledged their continued support to enhance sustainability, growth and development of the sector.

(NAN)