NMDPRA commits to boost Nigeria’s natural gas industry
By Akpobor Jirhue Abuja
Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, said the agency under his watch will pursue policies that ensure the creation of conducive environment for the improvement of nation’s natural gas industry.
Speaking in Abuja when he received the Management of the NLNG on a courtesy visit to his office, said the Authority, as the regulator of the midstream and downstream, will put in place policies that will not stifle businesses but rather level the playing field and stimulate economic growth and job creation in the industry.
Engr. Ahmed assured his guests of the Authority’s willingness to partner with the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) towards solving Nigeria’s energy challenges and increase gas use in cooking, transportation and power generation.
He commended the NLNG for its focus in prioritizing domestic supply which has had a significant impact on deepening gas consumption in the country.
The NMDPRA helmsman reiterated Federal Government’s goal of deepening LPG/CNG especially for Autogas as an alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to cushion the effect in situation of upward spike in oil prices.
Responding, the Managing Director, NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, said the Company will continue to priotise the growing domestic LPG market and increase utilization by supplying 100%, its Propane and Brutane production.
Mshelbila also revealed the ongoing plans of the NLNG to commence operation for the Nigerian domestic LNG market this year, in line with the government’s plans to boost local consumption.
He explained that the move was part of the NLNG’s dedication to participate in industrializing Nigeria by providing efficient energy in line with the Federal Government’s developmental initiatives, and as one of the two focus areas of the company. The other area of focus is to remain globally competitive.
He pledged the Company’s dedication and commitment to making Nigeria an energy-sufficient nation.
