LAGOS – The Federal Government has declared its intention to boost the nation’s economy with abundant gas resources.
The government also commended Oilserv Limited for contributing immensely to the transition of Nigeria towards cleaner energy.
President Bola Tinubu made the declaration during the week in Imo State, during the commissioning of three critical gas infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the AHL Gas Processing Plant in Kwale; Delta State and the ANOH Gas Processing Plant and the 23.3km ANOH to Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline Projects.
According to Tinubu, the present administration would ensure the full utilisation of the country’s gas resources in a bid to enhance domestic gas use and increase national power generation capacity.
He also explained that the government would ensure the revitalisation of the industries and create job opportunities for economic growth.
Tinubu further told the gathering that the government had made significant progress in incentivising gas development through Presidential Executive Orders.
The president commended the project partners for the investment, maintaining that these were the beginning of other landmark projects and initiatives to ensure gas-fuelled prosperity in Nigeria.
In an interview with journalists at the event, Engr. Nnanna Anyanwu, Managing Director, Oilserv Limited, said that the company had contributed immensely to the transition of Nigeria towards cleaner energy.
He stressed that this aligned with the nation’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative and global standards.
Anyanwu stated further that the successful completion of the Assa Process Treatment Facility, the OB3 CTMS, and the extensive export pipeline underscored Oilserv’s commitment to adhering to project timelines, ensuring safety, and maintaining high standards of quality and excellence.
He maintained that the country’s economy would hugely benefit from the increased use of domestic natural gas for power generation, its use as a feedstock for industries reliant on gas, and Nigeria’s quick modernisation due to its abundant gas resources.
He said: “Oilserv has not only enhanced our infrastructure capabilities and technical expertise but also bolstered our global competitiveness. Importantly, this project delivers substantial value to our clients.”
The Assa Gas Process Treatment Facility, inaugurated virtually by the President under the theme ‘Gas to Prosperity,’ encompasses the ANOH PTF – OB3 Custody Transfer Metering Station (CTMS) and a gas export pipeline project.
This project involved the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning (EPCIC) of a 36-inch by 23.3-kilometer gas export pipeline, equipped with Pigging facilities (Launcher & Receiver), facilitating the transportation of natural gas from the NGC manifold at Assa to the OB3 CTMS, built and delivered by Oilserv Limited.
He, however, lamented the insufficient infrastructure to harness Nigeria’s enormous gas resources, but expressed confidence that the government, through Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), would undertake additional strategically important gas projects to benefit the country.
Besides, His Royal Highness, Eze Emmanuel Assor, the traditional ruler of Assa Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area (LGA), commended the company for investing in an economic boom for both the local area and the nation.
He noted the project’s potential to create job opportunities and stimulate further investments, despite the community’s sacrifices, including the loss of farmland.
“This development is a source of joy for us. It will create employment opportunities for our people, and we hope to receive concessional treatment due to our substantial contributions. Although our community has predominantly been agricultural, we are optimistic that this project will attract more investors to our area,” he said.
He also appealed to NNPCL to reciprocate the community’s sacrifices by providing essential developmental and infrastructural amenities.