By Abdullahi lukman
NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) and Gasnexus have launched a small-scale LNG project in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, aimed at securing Nigeria’s sustainable clean energy future.
Justin Ezeala, the Managing Director of NGML, speaking at launching, described the mini project as a critical step toward enhancing Nigeria’s energy security.
By tapping into the full potential of natural gas, this project, he said, aims to provide cleaner energy solutions, reduce reliance on less environmentally friendly alternatives, and unlock new economic opportunities across the country.
The mini-NLG project is particularly significant for its capacity to serve industrial and commercial users in regions outside the reach of the country’s existing pipeline network, particularly in the northern part of Nigeria.
For many businesses and communities in this region, the lack of reliable energy sources has been a barrier to growth.
By extending access to natural gas through the establishment of the small-scale LNG plant in Ajaokuta, this project is expected to not only address energy shortages but also help create jobs and boost local economies.
Another critical aspect of this project is its contribution to the Nigeria’s flare-down initiative.
In line with Nigeria’s environmental and sustainability goals, the initiative seeks to reduce the practice of gas flaring, which occurs when excess natural gas from oil production is burned off instead of being utilized.
The mini-LNG plant is also aimed at providing a commercially viable way to capture and use gas that would otherwise be flared, making a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental stewardship.
Franklin Umole, Managing Director of Axxela Gas Midstream Infrastructure, also emphasized the strategic role the Ajaokuta location plays in expanding gas access to underserved areas.
Ajaokuta’s central location in Kogi State offers a perfect hub for gas distribution to surrounding states and regions.
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With the first phase of the plant designed to produce 7.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), the project is to serve as a vital energy source for Northern Nigeria and neighboring regions, where there has been a persistent demand for reliable, cleaner fuel sources.
The project’s phased development also speaks to its long-term vision.
Once fully operational, the 20MMSCFD plant will create a robust infrastructure network capable of supplying natural gas to a wide range of industrial applications, including power generation, manufacturing, and commercial use.
This initiative will not only help reduce the region’s reliance on coal and diesel but will also foster a transition toward cleaner energy, in line with global trends and Nigeria’s own goals for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainable growth.
In terms of economic impact, the project holds significant potential to create business opportunities and improve livelihoods.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in northern Nigeria, which often struggle with energy access, will benefit greatly from a more reliable and cost-effective energy supply.
Additionally, the availability of natural gas could spur the growth of energy-intensive industries like cement production, food processing, and textiles, which are vital for driving economic diversification and job creation.
This project is also in alignment with broader government objectives, particularly its focus on fostering energy infrastructure development and increasing the role of natural gas in the country’s energy mix.
As part of the broader plan for economic transformation, the small-scale LNG plant underscores Nigeria’s growing role as a leader in Africa’s clean energy transition.
The Gasnexus and NGML partnership stands as an excellent example of how collaboration between public and private sector players, along with innovative technological solutions, can create a more sustainable and prosperous energy future.
By driving industrial growth, fostering local economic development, and addressing critical energy gaps, the Gasnexus/NGML mini-LNG plant project is aimed at exemplifying how targeted infrastructure initiatives can help accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward energy security and economic prosperity.
As the project advances, it is to serve as a model for similar initiatives across Africa, demonstrating the potential of natural gas to fuel economic development while also contributing to the fight against climate change.
