Tag: Ekperikpe Ekpo

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said the Brass Methanol Project’s Gas Sales Purchase Agreement will inject $3 billion into Nigeria’s gas sector. He also assured that the Federal Government’s efforts in ensuring the prompt circulation of compressed natural gas (CNG) is a well intended initiative for a more affordable fuel option. CNG Stations have been deployed across the country through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for a transition to cleaner energy.

Ekpo made this known while delivering a Ministerial address at the 2024 NAEC Annual Strategic International Conference, organised by the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC)  at Eko hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The minister, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser (STA), Abel Nsa, said : “we have launched the Ride Share CNG Conversion Incentive Programme, alongside the My CNG App, which offers a 50 per cent discount for rideshare drivers. This initiative promotes compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more affordable fuel option for transportation while reducing the financial burden on drivers and promoting a shift to cleaner fuels.

“We have made remarkable progress in commissioning new gas processing facilities across the country, including the 3.1 million metric tonnes per day CNG plant in Ogun State; the 5.2 MMscfd CNG/autogas facility in Lagos and the 300 MMscf/d Kwale Gas Gathering Hub in Delta State. These projects not only boost gas supply but also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and increase access to clean energy,” he said.

Ekpo, while highlighting the Federal Government’s investments in the gas sector which he said, is aimed at enhancing the country’s position in the global gas market and creating more job opportunities to boost the nation’s economy, therefore urged Nigerians to properly harness the potential in gas for reliable energy delivery and cleaner energy.

“We are making significant strides in unlocking investments. One major milestone is the forthcoming Gas Sales Purchase Agreement (GSPA) for the Brass Methanol Project, which will inject $3 billion into Nigeria’s gas industry.”

 This investment will not only enhance Nigeria’s position in the global gas market but also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and expanding our industrial base.

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“In addition, under my leadership, as contained in the Petroleum Industry Act PIA 2021, we have constituted the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to address critical financing gaps in infrastructure development. This will go a long way in ensuring that our gas resources are efficiently harnessed and delivered to the market,” the minister said.

On its collaboration with the United States, Ekpo said the ministry’s recent Strategic Energy Dialogue with the United States will berth robust plans to further drive the sector.

“The US Department of State, through its Energy and Mineral Governance Programme committed to renewed technical assistance to further support the Nigerian Government and NNPC in reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.

“The US Agency for International Development (USAID), through Power Africa, commits an additional $75-$85 million technical assistance to Nigeria.

“The US Department of Energy’s Net Zero World Programme commits more than $1.3 million for clean energy technical support to Nigerian Partners,” he stated.

The minister maintained that there is significant progress in the reduction of gas flaring and methane emissions, adding that the commissioning of AHL Gas Processing Plant, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant and the ANOH-OB3 Gas Pipeline will keep enhancing the growth of the sector.

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, yesterday said the path to a sustainable energy future requires partnership, innovation and a shared commitment to addressing global energy challenges.

Speaking at a welcome reception hosted by the Nigerian High Commission in Alberta, Calgary, Canada, where he is attending the ongoing Global Energy Show, Ekpo described the Show as a platform where the brightest minds and most influential leaders in the energy sector converge, saying the gathering offered an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s immense potential in the global energy landscape, particularly in the gas sector.

“We welcome Canadian businesses and investors to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities. Our government is dedicated to ensuring a stable and conducive environment for investments, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and mutual benefit,” Ekpo said.

He said Nigeria is blessed with one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, and is committed to harnessing this resource not only as a catalyst for economic growth, but also as a vital component of its energy transition strategy.

According to Ekpo, in the past few years, the Nigerian government has made substantial strides in creating an enabling environment for investment in the gas sector.

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He said initiatives such as the Decade of Gas had been launched to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030.

The Minister further noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 established the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), which provides a strategic framework to remove bottlenecks, incentivize investments and foster a conducive environment for gas infrastructure development.

Ekpo therefore urged private sector investors to see Nigeria as a destination of their choice, highlighting their importance in the journey towards the country’s energy security and sustainability.

“Let us foster deeper connections, share knowledge, and pave the way for a future where our energy collaboration leads to mutual prosperity and a sustainable world,” he added.

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, yesterday clarified that the federal government had no hand in the abandonment of plans to build a 1,200km subsea gas pipeline by the Dangote Group.

Ekpo, in a statement signed by his Spokesman, Louis Ibah,  said that the decision to build or abandon the project was solely a business decision of the Dangote Group, which was taken long before the inauguration of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

“The Federal Government, under President Tinubu, is committed to creating an environment that encourages investors who are willing to invest in projects in the gas value chain.”

 “As a matter of fact, the Federal Government has taken deliberate steps over the years to encourage and stimulate investment in the Gas Sector by approving various policies, such as the Gas Pricing and Domestic Demand Regulations (2023); the Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations (2023); the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code; the National Nigerian Gas Masterplan; the National Gas Policy (2017) and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021,” the statement explained.

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According to the statement, these policies and laws provide a conducive environment for private sector investment in domestic gas development. He noted, for instance, that the establishment of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), through the PIA 2021, was to support more private sector investment in gas infrastructure development.

 “Contrary to the view expressed by the VP Oil and Gas of Dangote Group, there is no provision in the PIA, or its predecessor policies and / or legislation, that discourages private sector investment in gas infrastructure. The PIA offers significant incentives for private entities to invest in the Gas Midstream and Downstream sectors. The Federal Government encourages private investment in gas infrastructure development, and several projects have been commissioned under President Tinubu’s administration,” the statement further said.

Ekpo listed notable examples of the positive impact of the government’s concerted effort to stimulate private sector investment in the gas value chain to include among others, the resolution of gas supply issues to major projects like the Geometric Power Aba Limited Power Plant and the Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Company Limited, which he said demonstrates government’s support for local investors, with groundbreaking novel approaches to resolving issues.

The Minister reiterated that any private entity interested in investing in the Gas Midstream and Downstream sectors is free to do so, with government incentives available to encourage investments that contribute to national economic growth and development.

Minister for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo has directed the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and the Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOSL) to establish the Host Community Development Fund.

Ekpo, who gave the directive yesterday during an official visit to OML-13, the operational base of NEPL and NOSL in Eastern Obolo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, said that the Host Community Development Fund was in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

He also urged the NEPL and NOSL to extend power supply from the flow station to the communities, so they can experience the positive impact of the company.

The Minister emphasised that the operations of NEPL and NOSL would enhance the country’s gas production capacity and assured that the federal government was ready to support the company in achieving its production targets. Ekpo expressed satisfaction with the company’s strong ties with the communities which has peaceful operations.

The company has a production facility with a capacity of 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 90 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

In a related development, the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in Niger Delta (PIND) has lamented the slow implementation of the PIA and the gaps in the law.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a dialogue and experience-sharing forum on Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Bridges Project, the foundation highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including oil and gas companies, government entities and community organisations.

The Executive Director, PIND, Tunji Idowu, urged communities in the region to take advantage of the PIA to prioritise sustainable development instead of wasting money on white elephant projects. He harped on the need for communities to understand their roles and responsibilities in ensuring effective implementation of the PIA.

Idowu said that the Bridge Project identified many gaps in the implementation of the PIA, including lack of clear roles and responsibilities among the stakeholders. He noted that the absence of grievance mechanisms and inefficient partnerships between trusts could hinder the progress of community development projects.

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In his remarks, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Host Community, Dumnamene Dekor, described implementation as slow and called for more commitment from stakeholders.

Dekor, who represents Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, expressed his assessment of the PIA, saying that while it was a work in progress, more needed to be done to educate the people on its provisions.

He emphasised the importance of host communities taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the PIA to develop their areas warning them to set aside their differences and get on board.

In his remarks, the Programme Manager for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ford Foundation, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to reducing inequalities in natural resource extraction.

Kuyole stressed the importance of working with partners to ensure that the focus of the foundation to ensure that communities impacted by oil and gas extraction, as well as mining, benefited from the process moved beyond paper to actual implementation.

Amidst the clamour for good governance and reduction in the cost of living in the country, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has asserted the Federal Government’s firm determination to advance the nation’s gas resources as the surest pathway to economic prosperity.

The Minister stated this yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when he visited the facilities and projects of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), where he serves as the co-chair of the Governing Council.

He stated that Nigeria is endowed with vast natural gas resources of about 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, emphasising the necessity to harness these resources effectively to drive economic development.

He underlined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unalloyed support to the gas sector, with initiatives extending to the entire value chain, notably gas development, distribution and penetration.

According to him, the Federal Government’s drive is geared towards lowering the cost of transportation, the cost of living and impacts every part of the country positively.

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He listed some of the key initiatives his ministry was pursing to include investments in critical gas infrastructure development to support the transportation and distribution of natural gas across the country, promotion of domestic gas utilisation for power generation, industrial applications, and transportation as well as strengthening NCDMB’s capacity to build capacity and enforce local content policies.

Other laudable initiatives reeled out by the Minister include encouraging and supporting gas-to-power projects to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity, expanding Nigeria’s capacity to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to international markets, to generate revenue and position Nigeria as a key player in the global gas market and strengthening the policy and regulatory frameworks governing the gas sector to create an enabling environment for investment and innovation.

The Minister remarked that 60 per cent of NCDMB’s investments are gas based and advised that new projects by the agency should focus on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) because of the direct impact on transportation and cost of living.

He lauded NCDMB for the remarkable strides it had made in promoting local content and for constructing the magnificent 17 storey headquarters building, which signifies the impressive growth and depth of local capacity.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, thanked the Minister for visiting the Board’s facilities and assured him of the commitment of the management and staff of the Board to supporting the Federal Government’s economic aspirations.

The Minister and his entourage toured NCDMB’s facilities, including the Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TICC) and listened to presentations from three incubates on their technology solutions and how NCDMB is supporting them from concept to commercialisation.

The team also visited the NCDMB Conference Hotel project, which is undergoing construction, the NCDMB gas hub at Polaku, Yenagoa as well as the 10 megawatts gas-power plant, which supplies electricity to the Nigerian Content Tower and selected offices of the Bayelsa State Government.

The Minister also made a brief visit to the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who welcomed the Minister to the state and solicited for key investments in the gas sector.

He argued that since Bayelsa State supplies a substantial percentage of the gas feedstock used by the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) plant, it deserves to host one of the company’s gas processing facilities.

He also demanded accelerated development of the Brass methanol project as a plank for enhanced economic development of the state.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government called on the federal government to establish a liquified natural gas terminal in the state to optimize economic benefits accruing from the gas sub-sector of the country’s petroleum industry.

The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the call when the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Doubara Atasi, also stressed the need for the federal government to  resume and complete work on the abandoned Brass Fertilizer Company for the general good of the country.

Describing Bayelsa as the headquarters of gas in Nigeria, the Deputy Governor lamented that the state had nothing commensurate to show for its huge natural gas endowment and contribution to the economic development of the nation.

According to Senator Ewhrudjakpo, about 60 percent of the total gas feedstock or supply to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal at Bonny Island is transported from Bayelsa.

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said the task of creating access to cheap, unlimited energy for Nigeria cannot be left to the government alone. He stated this at the official unveiling of the Gazettes on National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan by the Energy Commission of Nigeria, yesterday, in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Spokesman for the Minister, Louis Ibah and made available to The Nation, Ekpo called for increased collaboration between public and private sector investors in order for the country to achieve its energy goals.

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According to the statement, Ekpo described the road to a sustainable energy future as a marathon and not a sprint, saying it calls for unyielding resolve, innovative leadership and unwavering dedication.

“Energy plays a critical role in promoting social development, accelerating economic progress, and protecting the environment. In order to achieve our energy goals, I implore our respected partners in the public and private sectors to collaborate with one another. To face the difficulties that lie ahead, let’s leverage the power of cooperation, creativity, and technology. The future generations will be greatly impacted by the choices that we make today. We can create a Nigeria where everyone has access to cheap, unlimited energy by working together,” he added.

The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen who unveiled the Gazettes said the documents would be presented to the public for further consultation.

The Gazettes reveal the direction of  government’s policies, and also lists the several approaches necessary to accomplish the country’s energy goals.

Dignitaries at the event were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Director General/CEO of Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, among others.

• NNPCL lauds carrier completion in South Korea

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has lauded the courage, vision and hardwork exhibited by Nigerian firms in breaking new frontiers in gas businesses in line with the local content law.

Ekpo stated this at the inauguration of Temile Development Company Limited’s 23,000 cubic meters ultra-modern Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Carrier – ‘Alfred Temile 10’ at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, yesterday.

He described the courage in the conceptualisation and delivery of the project by Temile Development Company Limited as a monumental achievement in local content law, even as he called on other firms to emulate Temile’s example.

He said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act was enacted to promote the development of in-country capacity in the oil and gas industry, and that the LPG vessel’s commissioning was a manifestation of the success of this legislation.

“By actively engaging in projects of this magnitude, we are fostering indigenous participation and furthering our commitment to building a sustainable and vibrant oil and gas sector,” he said.

According to the minister, the vessel would enhance the efficiency of the country’s energy supply chain by transporting LPG from the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to coastal storage facilities.

“Today’s (yesterday) commissioning also reflects the increasing influence of Nigerian content in the oil and gas maritime space. It is a proud moment for our nation, showcasing active participation that not only complies with the Cabotage Law, but aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) of 2010,” he added.

The minister urged stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to recommit to the principles of collaboration, innovation, and local content development.

“Let this event trigger or serve as a catalyst for even greater strides in our collective journey towards self-sufficiency and prosperity in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, for economic development, eradicating poverty and wealth creation, which are cardinal objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ekpo said.

Also, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, said the inauguration of the gas carrier is a significant step towards increasing domestic gas consumption and boosting gas revenues.

He said: “The commissioning of Alfred Temile 10 signifies a crucial step in deepening the utilisation of gas in-country and growing gas revenues.

“The vessel is equipped to transport liquefied petroleum gas efficiently, which will contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s domestic gas industry.”

The NNPC GCEO commended Temile Development Company Ltd’s for its perseverance and ground-breaking accomplishments as well as the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and NSML for delivering such an unparalleled project.

The commissioning, he explained, presents the NNPCL with the chance to work with its global partners to increase the amount of Nigerian gas available to the market.

“I want to congratulate Mr Alfred for the great feat you have achieved on behalf of our country and we understand that today clean energy is everything because the whole world is transitioning to cleaner fuel”, said the GCEO.

“In our country, biomass is the major source of energy, and I know that the efforts we are making collectively and with this effort by Temile Group will enhance that ability to produce cleaner energy in our country.

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“We must do massive work around this endeavor and there are many initiatives that are going on to make sure that gas is made available into our country for both domestic and export markets.

“This is an opportunity for all of us, and we are collaborating with our partners across the globe to see how we can make Nigeria’s gas available to the whole market.

“Nigeria is a gas country and not an oil country, and we know that the efforts being made by our government will enhance that. We are creating the right environment for businesses, we are making sure LNG is made available to the global market as we expand our capacity to provide LGP into the domestic market.”

CEO, Temile Development Company Ltd., Alfred Temile, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and support received from NNPC Ltd from the project’s conceptualisation to execution.

Also, the Charge D’Affaires Ad Interim of the Nigerian Embassy in South Korea, Ambassador Ferdinand Nwonye, expressed delight at the project’s commissioning during his speech at the event.

He indicated that the construction of the vessel by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Korea, marking the third vessel built for Nigerian companies since his arrival in 2021, showcases the country’s significant global economic contribution.

He said: “We witnessed the signing of the contract for the construction and supervision of the vessel between Temile Development Company limited and Hyundia Mipo Dockyard during the World Gas Conference in May, 2022 and today we are equally witnessing the commissioning of the vessel.

“I want to thank both Temile Development Company Nigeria Ltd and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Company Limited for living up to the contract agreement.

“The construction of this vessel has demonstrated the power and importance of our dear country and its immense contribution to the global economy, because, since 2021 that I arrived in the Republic of Korea, this vessel will be the 3rd vessel that Hyundai Mipo Dockyard has built for Nigerian Companies among several others that have been built before my arrival and hopefully many more to come.

“This only attests to the fact that there is a viable market for Shipyard in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. I believe this should signal a wakeup call for our dear country (Nigeria) and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Company to collaborate and consider setting up a Shipyard in Nigeria. This will no doubt enable the collaboration to cater for the Africa market.

“I will like to urge Hyundai Mipo Dockyard to train more Nigerian Engineers and also employ them after the training in order for them to have in-depth knowledge about the fabrication process of vessels and this will be a win-win situation for you and Nigeria when the time comes for the desired collaboration for the setting up of the Shipyard.

“I want to sincerely congratulate Temile Development Company Nigeria Ltd, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Company and all stakeholders who participated in the construction of this vessel.

Nwonye expressed confidence that the vessel will play a valuable role in Temile Development Company Nigeria Ltd and contribute to the strengthening of the relationship between Nigeria and Korea bilateral economy.