In a bid to enhance energy provision for Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, have inaugurated the Upgraded Nedogas Processing Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility in Kwale, Delta State.
They emphasized the critical importance of energy in the socio-economic life of the people.
The event, held in the Ndokwa West Local Government Area, showcased the commitment of both leaders to addressing the energy needs of the nation.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed that the federal government was committed to encouraging the harnessing of the rich gas resources of the country for use by Nigerians.
He commended the board and executive management team of Nedogas Development Company Limited, NDCL, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, for making the project a reality.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, highlighted the significance of the gas processing plant in Kwale and called for similar projects to be replicated in other areas of the state affected by gas flaring.
Governor Oborevwori expressed concern over the challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria due to poor power supply, citing a World Bank report that reveals an annual expenditure of $29 billion on power by businesses. He also noted the country’s low ranking in terms of electricity access globally.
The Governor underscored the benefits of the newly inaugurated projects for Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, emphasizing the vast gas reserves in Nigeria and the potential for significant energy supply improvements with the operationalization of such facilities.
”I call for the replication of this project in other parts of our state where gas flaring is taking place to reduce its effects on our people,” he said, emphasizing, “One can feel the pains of every Nigerian when it comes to the issue of energy availability and affordability.
“Even more worrisome is the World Bank report that due to poor power supply in the country, businesses spend about $29 billion yearly on power.
” It is also quite unfortunate that the country is ranked as the lowest in terms of access to electricity, globally,” Oborevwori said.
Earlier, the Chairman, of Nedogas Limited, Emeka Ene in his address of welcome thanked the government, strategic partners and the community for providing the needed support and enabling environment to achieve the project.
He said, “The KGG Facility, with its impressive capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, determination, and strategic partnerships converge.
“No doubt, these projects will lead to the creation of a lot of direct and indirect job opportunities, too, thereby, boosting the economy of our state.”
With Nigeria boasting a considerable gas reserve base, President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of leveraging these resources to boost energy supply across the country.
The projects inaugurated are expected to not only address the energy needs of Nigerians but also mitigate the adverse effects of gas flaring on local communities.
The collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders in the energy sector is seen as a positive step towards improving energy infrastructure and ensuring a more sustainable energy supply for the nation.
The inauguration of the Upgraded Nedogas Processing Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to enhance energy access and affordability for its citizens.
