By Ahmed Dan Asabe Lokoje
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has hailed the establishment of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta as a strategic move to position Kogi as an energy hub in Nigeria. The plants, set up by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and its private sector partners, will play a pivotal role in enhancing Nigeria's energy landscape and fostering economic growth.
"We are witnessing a historic moment that will redefine Kogi's place in Nigeria's energy sector. This project is not just about gas production; it is about economic transformation, job creation, and ensuring that our state plays a central role in Nigeria's energy future," Governor Ododo stated.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to Nigeria's energy transition and for mobilizing NNPC Limited and its private sector partners to establish the LNG plants. He expressed optimism that the plants will become a crucial part of Kogi's energy infrastructure, significantly reducing carbon emissions while advancing sustainable energy solutions.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, emphasized that the LNG plants are part of the Federal Government's strategy to revolutionize the gas sector and position it as a key driver of economic prosperity. Kyari noted that the initiative is a concrete step towards energy transformation, with all necessary equipment ready for immediate deployment.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpo Ekpo, credited President Tinubu's executive order for fast-tracking the development of the LNG plants. The Minister for Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, noted that the LNG initiative aligns with Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by top government officials, investors, and industry stakeholders, marked the commencement of the project, which aims to enhance domestic gas supply, drive industrialization, and create employment opportunities.
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