The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on the new leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to prioritise the completion of critical NNPC gas projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by NNPC’s new Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, and Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, the minister emphasised that these projects are central to achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthening gas penetration nationwide.
Ekpo further noted that the government is working with NNPC on other strategic projects such as the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline (TSGP), the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline, and the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, which will boost Nigeria’s regional and global energy position.
Highlighting Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves of 209 trillion cubic feet, Ekpo urged NNPC to expand domestic use alongside exports.
“We have natural gas in abundance, but mainly for export. I urge NNPC to add value to our gas resources to accelerate development and strengthen the economy,” he said.
The minister also stressed the importance of rolling out Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper alternative to petrol, urging the company to make conversion kits more affordable for Nigerians.
Responding, NNPC Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida pledged the organisation’s commitment to working with the ministry. GCEO Bayo Ojulari also commended the minister for resolving long-standing challenges such as the Brass Methanol Project Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA), affirming NNPC’s role in driving national energy goals.
