Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s drive for gas development received a major boost as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, commissioned the country’s first modular Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, extraction plant and a 20-megawatt gas-to-power facility at the Otakikpo field in Andoni, Rivers State.
The projects, developed by Green Energy and Lekoil Joint Venture, JV, mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s gas utilization strategy.
Ekpo, who toured the facilities before the commissioning, commended the JV for its commitment to efficient resource deployment and the use of local expertise.
“This is a landmark achievement that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. These projects will create opportunities for a robust gas economy, provide electricity for the communities, create jobs for our youths, and improve overall economic development,” Ekpo stated.
The modular LPG plant is expected to enhance domestic gas supply, reducing dependency on imported cooking gas, while the 20MW gas-to-power facility will provide electricity to the surrounding communities and industrial areas.
Ekpo emphasized the economic and social benefits of the projects, noting that they would not only expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure but also contribute to energy security.
“This is a clear demonstration of how Nigeria’s gas resources can be harnessed for industrial growth, power generation, and economic empowerment,” he added.
The Minister also lauded the host communities for their peaceful coexistence with the operators, which he said played a key role in the successful completion of the projects.
“I commend our royal fathers and youths for their cooperation. Development can only thrive where there is peace, and these projects are a testament to what can be achieved when stakeholders work together,” he stated.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, as well as key JV stakeholders, including Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chairman of Green Energy International, and Mr. Olalekan Akinyanmi, Chief Executive Officer of Lekoil.
