Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has charged the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, to prioritize new projects focused on Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, in order to reduce transportation costs and lower the cost of living for Nigerians.
Speaking during a tour of the NCDMB headquarters and other projects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Minister emphasized the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves to drive sustainable economic development.
Ekpo, who is the Co-chair of the Governing Board of NCDMB noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was committed to developing, distributing, and ensuring the penetration of gas throughout Nigeria.
He commended the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and his team for their dedication to growing Nigerian content in the oil and gas sector as well as supporting the Federal Government’s economic reform programmes and goals.
“I have highlighted the necessity of harnessing our vast natural gas reserves, which stand at about 209 trillion cubic feet, to drive sustainable economic development across our country. These resources are not just a national asset but the key to reducing the cost of living and ensuring a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown resolute support for the gas sector, with initiatives aimed at developing, distributing, and ensuring the penetration of gas throughout Nigeria. Our efforts are strategically focused on lowering transportation and living costs, ultimately benefiting every Nigerian.
“I therefore charge management and staff of NCDMB to prioritize new projects focused on Compressed Natural Gas, given its potential for a direct and positive impact on transportation costs and overall cost of living.”
The Minister also paid a visit to the Bayelsa State Government, where he met with the Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the state government and private sector to fully harness the state’s gas deposits.
“The Federal Government is committed to partnering with the Bayelsa State government and the private sector to fully harness these gas deposits. This collaboration is crucial for job creation and generating revenue that will benefit both the state and the entire nation,” the Minister said.
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, appealed for the accelerated development of the Brass methanol project, citing its potential for enhanced economic development in the state.
Ewhrudjakpo also argued that Bayelsa State, being a major supplier of gas feedstock to the Nigeria LNG plant, deserves to host one of the company’s gas processing facilities.
The Minister assured the Bayelsa state government of the Federal Government’s support, saying, “Let me be clear: we are committed to making gas a central part of our national energy strategy, and I am confident that this approach will lead to a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Nigerians.”
“The prosperity of our country is deeply intertwined with the success of the gas sector. This is why my team and I are constantly working to advance gas development and ensure its widespread use across Nigeria. With the full circulation of gas, particularly CNG, we can significantly reduce our reliance on petrol and diesel, which will, in turn, lower the cost of living for our people.”
