President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori have called for investments in the energy sector to enhance energy availability for Nigerians.
They made their remarks at the inauguration of the upgraded Nedogas Processing Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility in Kwale, located in the Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to the Daily Post, both leaders highlighted the critical role of energy in the socio-economic development of the country.
Representing President Tinubu, Minister of State for Gas Ekperikpe Ekpo stated that the federal government is committed to harnessing Nigeria’s rich gas resources for domestic use.
He praised the efforts of Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for realizing this project.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, called for similar projects to be established in other parts of the state affected by gas flaring. He urged investors to set up gas processing plants to mitigate the negative impacts of gas flaring on local communities.
“One can feel the pains of every Nigerian when it comes to the issue of energy availability and affordability,” Oborevwori said.
He cited a World Bank report indicating that businesses in Nigeria spend about $29 billion annually on power due to poor supply. He also noted that Nigeria ranks low globally in terms of access to electricity.
Governor Oborevwori stressed that the new projects would significantly benefit Nigerians, particularly those in Delta State. He pointed out that Nigeria holds 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, accounting for 33% of Africa’s total gas reserves. This positions Nigeria as the ninth country worldwide in terms of natural gas reserves.
“These projects will boost the energy needs of Nigerians, especially in terms of supply. It is encouraging that this facility will receive gas from other oil companies in the area, which will help reduce gas flaring and its adverse effects on the environment and public health,” Oborevwori added.
Nedogas Limited Chairman Emeka Ene noted the impressive capacity of the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility, which can process 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.
“This facility is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, determination, and strategic partnerships converge,” he said.
