Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the Brass Methanol and Gas Processing Projects in Bayelsa State as part of efforts to industrialise Nigeria’s gas sector, attract global investment, and generate jobs across the energy value chain.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this during the All-Party Workshop on the Brass Gas Projects, which brought together government officials, investors, and technical partners to review project milestones and investment priorities.
Ekpo described the projects as “landmark ventures under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” designed to harness Nigeria’s abundant natural gas for national development.
“The Brass Projects will not only power industries but also empower communities, creating thousands of jobs, strengthening local infrastructure, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global gas and petrochemical markets,” Ekpo stated.
He emphasized that the Brass Methanol Plant and the Gas Processing Facility were strategic to achieving Nigeria’s Decade of Gas vision, which aims to expand domestic gas utilization and boost export revenues through value-added products.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are ensuring that projects like Brass Methanol and the Gas Processing Plant become models of industrial growth, job creation, and regional development,” he added.
The minister also reaffirmed government’s resolve to remove barriers that have delayed major gas infrastructure projects, citing inter-agency coordination and improved investor confidence as key enablers of progress.
According to him, the Brass Methanol Project, a multi-billion-dollar investment, would significantly reduce Nigeria’s import dependence on methanol, a key input in plastics, textiles, and agriculture, while opening new export opportunities for the country.
Industry stakeholders at the event lauded the renewed commitment, describing it as a clear signal that Nigeria is ready to transform its gas wealth into sustainable industrial development.
A senior official from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd, noted that the project aligns with the company’s gas expansion strategy, saying:
“Brass represents a flagship example of how Nigeria can shift from being a raw gas supplier to a global player in methanol and petrochemical products.”
Representatives from the Bayelsa State Government also pledged support for the projects, stressing their potential to boost local content, create employment, and stimulate downstream economic activities.
