NIGERIA’s domestic gas aspirations have received a major boost as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Kaduna State government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for utilisation and expansion of gas supply in the state.
Speaking at the MoU execution ceremony, which held Thursday at the Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, Group Managing Director of NNPC Mele Kyari described the moment as yet another watershed in the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative aimed at utilising the nation’s abundant gas resources to power the economy through a number of strategic gas expansion projects such as the ongoing OB3 and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Project.
The event, which was facilitated by the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), was targeted at ensuring long-term involvement and supporting Kaduna State government and key gas sector players such as the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) and virtual pipeline companies to provide gas supply assurance to industries within the state on competitive terms.
“We all know that Kaduna used to be a hub when it comes to industries. It is our hope that this MoU signing will help provide the gas needed for some of those industries to come back to life,” Kyari said in a statement.
He noted that the corporation was committed to the commercialisation of Nigeria’s natural gas resources to support balanced economic growth and job creation across the country.
He stressed that as the world transited to low-carbon energy, the nation’s huge gas resources would continue to be an important source of clean energy for today and the future.
“There is no better way of making cheaper and cleaner energy than delivering gas into the domestic market,” he declared.
The NNPC’s helmsman further stated that the corporation would continue to engage with stakeholders and partners to secure early market and ensure that the economic benefits of the AKK gas pipeline were maximised.
“NNPC is leading this coordinated effort with state governments and private sector investors to develop demand framework for immediate and long-term gas supply solutions ahead of the completion of the AKK gas pipeline project,” he noted.
The GMD also expressed gratitude to the Kaduna government for hosting NNPC’s facilities such as the refinery complex, the depot, the ongoing AKK gas pipeline and independent power plant projects (IPPs).
Governor Nasiru el-Rufai, in his response, said Kaduna State government was delighted with the prospect of having an additional energy source to power businesses in the state.
“We wholeheartedly welcome this project. Gas provides a cost-effective option for powering factories, homes and vehicles. For the Kaduna State government, this project is a welcome boost to our investment and job creation strategy. It will create jobs and provide skills for artisans who will work on the gas pipelines and associated infrastructure. Beyond that, this project will power the industries that have responded with enthusiasm to our investment promotion campaign,” el-Rufai stated.
He particularly thanked the GMD of NNPC and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria for the gas utilisation and expansion initiative and zeal displayed by to deliver the project.
“Let there be no doubt that the Kaduna State government is committed to this MoU and the realisation of its goals in the interest of the people of Kaduna State,” el-Rufai further said.
The MoU was signed by Kyari on behalf of the corporation while the Kaduna State governor signed on behalf of the state government.
Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.