The Managing Director of NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr. Nagendra Verma, on Friday outlined an ambitious expansion programme spanning pipeline infrastructure, city gas distribution networks and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations nationwide, as part of efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition and strengthen domestic gas utilisation.
Speaking during a strategic media engagement forum in Lagos, Verma said the company’s ongoing and planned projects align with the Federal Government’s post-subsidy reform agenda and the framework established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which he noted has improved regulatory clarity and boosted investor confidence across the oil and gas value chain.
He emphasised that natural gas has become increasingly central to Nigeria’s economic stability, particularly amid fuel subsidy removal and fiscal restructuring, positioning gas as a critical transition fuel capable of stabilising energy supply, reducing exposure to imported fuel volatility and supporting industrial productivity.
Verma explained that pursuant to a mandate granted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NIPCO Gas, in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, is constructing an 18-inch, 80-kilometre natural gas pipeline from Sagamu to Ibadan.
The project, scheduled for completion by June/July 2026, is expected to significantly enhance gas availability to industries and commercial consumers in Ogun and Oyo states and adjoining areas.
According to Verma, the pipeline will improve manufacturing competitiveness by reducing production costs for industries currently dependent on alternative fuels, while stimulating regional economic growth across the Southwest.
He described the infrastructure as strategically important to national energy security and regional industrialisation, calling for continued cooperation from federal and state authorities to ensure seamless execution.
Beyond Ibadan, NIPCO Gas is also developing gas distribution infrastructure from Sagamu to Abeokuta in Ogun State, in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited.
Verma noted that the initiative is designed to accelerate industrial growth within the state, attract new manufacturing investments and improve energy reliability for existing businesses.
He commended the Ogun State Government for its strong collaboration and support, describing the partnership as reflective of a shared commitment to energy-driven economic development and sustainable industrial expansion.
The company has also developed gas distribution infrastructure within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, strengthening reliable energy access for industries operating within the fast-growing economic corridor.
Verma said the Lekki axis has emerged as a major hub for industrial and export-oriented activities, adding that dependable gas supply is fundamental to sustaining its growth trajectory and reinforcing Lagos State’s status as a leading industrial and commercial centre.
In line with the Federal Government’s clean energy and mobility agenda, Verma announced that NIPCO Gas, in joint venture with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, is constructing 20 additional CNG stations across the country.
He further revealed that CNG Mother Stations located at Lekki and Ore are at advanced stages of completion. These facilities will function as primary compression and dispatch hubs, supplying daughter stations and industrial customers across various regions through a mother–daughter network model.
The expansion, he explained, is strategically targeted at key transport corridors and high-traffic urban centres to improve accessibility and affordability of CNG for commercial vehicles, fleet operators, mass transit systems and private motorists.
“All facilities are being developed in strict compliance with Nigerian regulatory standards and international best practices for safety and operations,” Verma assured.
He added that the CNG rollout is expected to create employment opportunities, reduce transportation fuel costs, stimulate enterprises within the mobility value chain, lower carbon emissions and improve air quality nationwide.
Reaffirming the company’s long-term vision, Verma stated that sustained investments in pipelines, city gas networks and CNG infrastructure have positioned NIPCO Gas at the forefront of Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
“Our projects are designed to enhance national energy security, support industrial competitiveness, promote domestic gas utilisation and contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic development,” he said.
He described the media engagement as part of the company’s commitment to transparency, dialogue and knowledge sharing, while acknowledging the critical role of the media in shaping informed public discourse around Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
With multiple infrastructure projects underway across the Southwest and a nationwide CNG expansion in progress, NIPCO Gas signalled its intention to remain a key player in advancing Nigeria’s gas development agenda amid ongoing economic reforms.
