Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ,NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, has once again reiterated the significance of natural gas in powering economic growth and industries in Nigeria.
Kyari who made the statement at the public presentation/launch of the book “The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas” authored by Engr. Charles A. Osezua, said it marked a pivotal moment in the documentation of Nigeria’s gas sector.
Kyari who was represented by Mrs. Oluwakemi Oyekan-Olumuyiwa, Head, Relationship and Stakeholder Management stated that gas which is acceptable globally as a source of energy plays a critical role in our society by sustaining economic growth and powering our industries.
He observed that this is evident even in the global economy whereby the production and supply of natural gas is prioritised in the face of geopolitical dynamics and energy security.
Kyari noted that with substantial gas reserves exceeding 200 Tcf and a potential to reach 600 Tcf, Nigeria stands poised to leverage this resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation.
He further noted that the book launch aligns with the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative aimed at maximising Nigeria’s gas reserves for domestic utilisation and international export. NNPC, as a key player, has been instrumental in driving this agenda through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure such as pipelines and processing facilities.
Acknowledging Engr. Charles Osezua’s contribution to the discourse on gas development, Mr. Basil Omiyi, former Chairman of Seplat Energy, Chairman of the Public Presentation/book Launch, commended the author for catalysing conversations essential for the industry’s advancement.
Engr. Afolabi Oladele, Chairman of Impact Investors Foundation and former Group Executive Director of NNPC, lauded the book for its comprehensive insights across the gas value chain, emphasising its relevance to policymakers amidst the global energy transition.
Furthermore, Mr. Toyin Akinosho, a prominent geologist and publisher, Africa Oil & Gas Report, provided a favorable review of the book during the presentation, underscoring its quality, appeal and relevance.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Charles Osezua, a former employee of the NNPC and popularly known in the industry as “the Gas man” expressed gratitude to all attendees for their support and participation in the launch of his seminal work.
The unveiling of “The Rise of Gas” not only signifies a significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy literature but also underscores NNPC’s commitment to promoting knowledge sharing and innovation within the gas industry.
