FG Flags Off Construction Of Private Sector-led Gas Infrastructure

The minister of state, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, yesterday in Lagos, performed the ground-breaking ceremony of 100 million standard cubic of gas(SCF), distribution infrastructure located at the Lagos Free Zone(LFZ).

The key gas distribution project is driven by a conglomerate of major oil and gas companies led by Optimera energy.

Ekpo, who described the flag off as a momentous occasion, said the project marks a significant milestone in the federal government’s journey towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future in Nigeria.

While congratulating Optimera Energy for their visionary approach and commitment to advancing the nation’s energy landscape, the minister was excited to state that the development of the initial 25 million standard cubic feet per day City Gate Station is scalable to 100 million standard cubic feet per day, along with the necessary ancillary infrastructure which reflects not only their dedication but also a shared vision for a thriving and resilient Nigeria.

He went on to say that, “Natural Gas is a critical component of our energy mix, offering cleaner and more efficient solutions.

“The infrastructure we are launching today is not just about pipes and stations; it is about powering communities, industries, and dreams. It is about creating a foundation for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. It is about making Nigeria an economic giant within the subregion using our abundant gas resources.”

He called on other stakeholders to take cue from the project development partners and also remember the collective responsibility we bear towards shaping a brighter future for our nation. He emphasised that the collaboration between the public and private sector is essential in achieving our nation’s energy security goals, and today’s ceremony exemplifies the power of such partnerships and urged everyone to continue fostering the spirit of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the energy sector.

He advocated for more public-private sector collaboration and to ensure that the infrastructure serves as a catalyst for progress, bringing about positive change for generations to come.

The managing director of Optimera energy, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, earlier noted that, the historic occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony marks the commencement of Natural Gas distribution project in the Lagos Free Zone.

Joe-Ezigbo said, with the project Nigeria is set to usher in a transformative chapter in the energy narrative of Nigeria and that the project not only aligns perfectly with the company’s corporate vision but also resonates with the broader aspirations of Nigeria’s ambitious Decade of Gas agenda, a visionary initiative that underscores the pivotal role Natural Gas can play in fostering economic growth.

She explained that, Optimera energy LFZE was birthed from a Consortium of expertise in downstream, midstream, and upstream Gas development, adding that, “This Natural Gas distribution project is not just a testament to our corporate prowess and a showcasing of the collective experiences and brand power of our founding partners – NDW Midstream, FHN Gas, and Falcon Corporation; but it is a symbol of our collective dedication to our nation Nigeria’s economic development and re-industrialisation.”

She further said: “For us, this event symbolises not just the commencement of a project but the inception of a transformative force that will propel our nation further into a future powered by cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. By investing in Natural Gas infrastructure, we are not just building pipelines and facilities; we are laying the foundation for a future where our industries thrive in an environmentally conscious manner.”

The MD also said, the firm is unwavering in its conviction that for Nigeria, leveraging our Gas resources optimally is not just an economic imperative but a key strategic advantage.

“As gas rich as we are, we are sitting squarely on a wide array of opportunities to harness the immense benefits of a Natural Gas-powered economy; a path that will need a high level of collaboration between public and private sector players who see the vision clearly. The reason we are gathered here today is only one such opportunity, and one such testament to the power of collaboration,” she stressed.

According to her, “the ripple effects of a thriving Natural Gas industry will be felt across every sector and sphere of productive activity, positioning Nigeria as a beacon of economic resurgence on the African continent.

“Furthermore, the positive externalities of a Natural Gas-powered economy extend beyond just powering industries to environmental stewardship. Nigeria, like the rest of the world, stands at a crossroads in its pursuit of sustainable economic development. The energy transition agenda has become not just a buzzword but a rallying call for nations to reevaluate their energy sources and consumption patterns.”

She noted that the consortium is fully cognizant of the significance of Natural Gas in Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and that in an era where the global community is grappling with the consequences of climate change, Natural Gas emerges as a responsible and forward-looking choice.

In her remarks the Special Adviser to the president on energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, said the project specifically aligns with the federal government’s vision on gas development.

Verheijen, assured the project developers of full government support to make the project thrive and to service the industrial sector and in turn create value and expanded revenue generation for the government.