Ekpo Lauds Southfield, NCDMB Over Utorogu Gas Plant Investment

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended Southfield Petroleum Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for advancing Nigeria’s gas development agenda through strategic infrastructure investments.

Ekpo gave the commendation at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 200 MMSCFD Southfield Petroleum Limited (SPL) Utorogu Gas Processing Plant in Iwherekan, Ughelli, Delta State.

He described the project as aligned with the federal government’s vision of harnessing gas resources for economic growth and energy security, noting that it would unlock Nigeria’s vast gas potential under the Decade of Gas Initiative.

Represented by the Director Gas, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Elisha Benjamin Dan-Asabe, the Gas Minister also praised the NCDMB for driving local content development and facilitating investments across the oil and gas value chain, particularly in the Niger Delta.

“I have to commend the Board and Management of Southfield Petroleum Limited for this bold and strategic investment. This project is not only timely but also strongly aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of using Nigeria’s gas resources as a catalyst for economic growth, industrialisation, and energy security,” Ekpo said.

“Through strategic interventions and partnerships such as this, the Board is deepening local content, unlocking financing for critical infrastructure, and accelerating gas development. This project clearly demonstrates the NCDMB’s commitment to translating policy into tangible, high-impact investments that deliver value for the economy and the people,” he stated.

The Minister described the Utorogu Gas Processing Plant as critical infrastructure that will boost domestic gas supply by processing wet gas into lean gas for reinjection into the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System, supporting power generation and industrial activities nationwide.
He added that the facility’s capacity to produce natural gas liquids—including liquefied petroleum gas, propane, and condensate—would significantly increase LPG availability and support Nigeria’s clean cooking initiative.

“This is how we translate policy into results: through investments that expand energy access, create jobs, and drive local economic development,” he said.

The Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration among government, investors, and host communities, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to provide an enabling environment through transparent regulations and investment-friendly policies to ensure successful project delivery.