National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chuks Peter, DELTA
President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, have noted urgent need to boost energy production for Nigerians.
The made the call during the inauguration of the Upgraded Nedogas Processing Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Both leaders underscored the critical role of energy in the socio-economic development of the country.
Representing President Tinubu, the Minister of State for Gas, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for domestic use.
He praised the Board and Executive Management Team of the Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, highlighted the importance of replicating such projects across Delta State, particularly in areas affected by gas flaring.
“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.
He emphasised the significant challenges faced by Nigerians regarding energy availability and affordability.
“One can feel the pains of every Nigerian when it comes to the issue of energy availability and affordability”, he stated.
Citing a World Bank report, Oborevwori pointed out the economic impact of poor power supply, noting that businesses in Nigeria spend approximately $29 billion annually on power.
He lamented the country’s low global ranking in terms of electricity access.
Oborevwori highlighted that the new projects would benefit Nigerians, particularly Delta State residents, in numerous ways.
He noted that Nigeria has a gas reserve of 208.83 trillion cubic feet, representing 33% of Africa’s total gas reserves, placing the country ninth globally in natural gas concentration.
“With these projects, the energy needs of Nigerians will get a boost, especially in the critical area of supply,” he said.
He added that the facility would receive gas from other oil companies operating in the area, significantly reducing the harmful effects of gas flaring.
Oborevwori acknowledged the severe impact of gas flaring on the climate, including causing acid rain and adverse health effects and stressed the necessity of reducing gas flaring in the region.
Emeka Ene, Chairman of Nedogas Limited, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the government, strategic partners, and the community for their support and creating an enabling environment for the project.
He highlighted the KGG Facility’s capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) as a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and strategic partnerships.
Ene noted that the projects would create numerous direct and indirect job opportunities, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
He urged the replication of similar projects in other parts of Delta State to mitigate the effects of gas flaring.
“I also urge Nedogas Limited and its partner, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), to enhance the use of local content,” he said.
He, therefore, called on the entities to fulfill their social responsibilities and maintain a peaceful and conducive relationship with host communities.
