The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo on Thursday commissioned the 300 Million Metric Tonnes Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMscf/d) Kwale Gas Gathering Hub in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, describing the investment as a turning point in the quest to harness the country’s abundant gas resources for socio-economic development.
The project is a collaboration between Nedogas Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB); with Ekpo lauding the partnership as representing a significant advancement in the country’s effort to promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic expansion.
According to him, the project marked a dramatic improvement in Nigeria’s capacity to extract and use natural gas resources properly.
The Gas Minister also said the Nedogas Plant and Kwale Gas project is in line with the “Decade of Gas” plan of the Federal Government which aims to make Nigeria a gas-powered economy by 2030.
“As a result of creative engineering, forward-thinking planning, and joint public-private sector efforts, the Nedogas Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering facility marks not just a turning point for Delta State, but also a major turning point in Nigeria’s continuous quest to use its abundant natural gas resources for the country’s development,” said Ekpo.
“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,” he stated.
Ekpo said through the process of capturing associated gas that would otherwise be vented, the facility reduces its negative impact on the environment and also turned a potentially waste product into a useful resource.
“These facilities will also have an impact on a number of other industries. A greater supply of gas will boost the electricity industry, improve industrial productivity, and offer more environmentally friendly home energy options,” he added.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori in his speech expressed gratitude to Nedogas Limited and NCDMB for siting the facility in the state.
Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the project will boost the energy needs of the country, and also assist in reducing the effect of gas flaring in the state.
He also called for the replication of similar projects in parts of the state where oil exploitation companies are still engaged in the flaring of gas.
