NNPC-TGNL JV inaugurates Ibefun gas facility

The NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and its joint venture partner, Transit Gas Nigeria Limited have inaugurated the 150 million metric standard cubic feet per day natural gas city gate in Ogun State.

The gas project is expected to boost gas utilitisation and ensure the safe delivery of the energy source to various industrial and commercial users within the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, said the project would promote and integrate the use of gas domestically and generate power for industries.

Kyari, who was represented by the Vice President of Gas and Power, NNPC, Abdulkabir Ahmed, maintained that gas supply from the facility to businesses would eventually lead to economic growth and prosperity for the people, not only in Ogun State but in Nigeria generally.

He said in spite of the country’s huge natural gas reserves there were still challenges in domestic utilization.

“In this regard, it has become imperative for players in the industry to tighten up their belt and ensure that these abandon resources are put to use domestically,” he said.

Kyari noted that the natural gas facility would be an additional achievement to the Decade of Gas policy of the federal government that was launched by the President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to ensure Nigeria’s industrialisation and prosperity.

“NGML and Axxela natural gas distribution relationship stands for 20 years. Today, the partnership has connected over 200 industries to natural gas.

“This 150 million scfd capacity will create jobs and enhance the current development and propel industrial growth,” the GCEO added.

The Managing Director of TGNL, Bolaji Osunsanya, said the development of the Sagamu gas distribution zone was born out of the need to deliver on a medium to long-term expansion strategy.

“It would broaden our outlet portfolio and strengthen our market base in the energy sector. Our partnership with NGML has continued to create opportunities for both parties to leverage our expertise and resources to develop more infrastructure projects to drive economic growth in Nigeria.

“This project commissioned today would help deepen natural gas utilitisation in Ogun State and its environs,” he said.

Osunsanya added that the gas facility would further spur Ogun State for economic growth by enabling industrialisation within the state, promoting investment and supporting the manufacturing sector.

“It is expected to contribute to job creation and growth for medium size enterprises. Our commitment to safety and environmental sustainability is reflected in every aspect of this facility, just to ensure we follow the best global standards,” he further stated.

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said the conclusion of the facility marked another milestone in the history of gas penetration and inclusion in Nigeria and Ogun State.

“Today’s commissioning of Ibefun natural gas city gate will support, drive and complement administrations gas mobility projects,” the governor said.