NNPC, Kaduna state govt seek expansion in gas supply, utilisation
Solomon Ezeme
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kaduna State Government for expansion and increased utilisation of gas supply in the state, in line with the FG’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative.
Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, during the MoU Execution Ceremony in Abuja on the Federal Government’s plans to deliver gas to the domestic market, explained that the move was in furtherance of the Federal Government’ s “Decade of Gas” initiative which objective is to power the Nigerian economy through gas utilisation.
He also noted that the corporation will keep engaging stakeholders and partners, including state governments, to ensure fruitfulness of the on-going Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.
“NNPC is leading this coordinated effort with State Governments and private sector investors to develop a framework for immediate and long-term gas supply solutions ahead of the completion of the AKK gas pipeline project,” the NNPC boss said.
He appreciated the Kaduna government for hosting the Corporation’s facilities such as the Refinery Complex, the Depot, the on-going AKK gas pipeline and various Independent Power Plant Projects (IPPs).
The MoU Execution Ceremony was facilitated by the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN). The MoU will help effect long-term involvement and support of the Kaduna State Government , and key gas sector players such as the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) and virtual pipeline companies, to assure industries in Kaduna State of constant supply of gas on competitive terms.
Kyari said, “We all know that Kaduna used to be a hub when it comes to industries.
“It is our hope that this MoU signing will help provide the gas needed for some of those industries to come back to life.”
The NNPC boss also said that the corporation is focused on commercializing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources, to establish a balanced economic growth and create more jobs. He stated that our abundant natural gas resources will continue to be an important source of clean energy today and for the future, especially as the world transits to low carbon energy.
“There is no better way of making cheaper and cleaner energy than delivering gas into the domestic market,” he said.
According to Garba Muhammad, the Spokesman of the NNPC, during the event, the FG’s Decade of Gas initiative will be achieved through the development and implementation of several strategic gas expansion projects such as the on-going OB3 and AKK Gas Pipeline projects.
