By Faridat Salifu
Benue State is poised to become a trailblazer in Nigeria’s gas industry, with plans to begin the extraction of coal bed methane, an unconventional form of natural gas.
This recent development marks a significant shift as the country seeks to diversify its gas production methods and reduce reliance on traditional hydrocarbon reserves.
Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), shared the news during a meeting with the National and State gas expansion committees and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
Prof. Ibrahim explained that coal bed methane would offer an alternative source of gas, which will boost availability for domestic use and mobility, helping to alleviate Nigeria’s energy challenges.
The project is seen as a pioneering move for Benue, positioning the state as the first in Nigeria to produce gas from coal, rather than conventional fossil fuel sources.
“Benue will be a leader in this new frontier of gas production, opening up vast potential for the country,” said the NGEP chairman.
The National Gas Expansion Programme has long been focused on ensuring that Nigeria can use more gas domestically, particularly for cooking, transportation, and industrial purposes. With this new initiative, the government aims to expand the country’s gas capacity and provide more sustainable energy options.
Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, Chairman of the State Gas Expansion Programme, noted that this development could significantly transform Benue’s economy.
By joining the ranks of gas-producing states, Benue will not only benefit from the energy sector but will also begin receiving significant economic benefits from the associated gas sector derivatives.
This move reflects the broader goals of NGEP, which was established to increase Nigeria’s gas utilization and shift towards a gas-based industrial economy.
The extraction of coal bed methane is part of a larger strategy to increase gas supply, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing energy needs.
With Benue’s entry into the unconventional gas production sector, the state is expected to play a key role in the country’s energy future, creating jobs, driving industrial development, and contributing to national growth.
In the coming months, coal bed methane production is expected to increase Nigeria’s energy capacity, ensuring a more diverse and stable energy mix that could fuel the country’s transportation, cooking, and industrial sectors.
