The Federal Government, on Tuesday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 50,000 metric tonnes Liquefied Petroleum Gas and propane depot and stated that the facility would create 100,000 jobs.
It said the facility, which is being developed by Nesgas, would bridge Nigeria’s energy demand, mitigate the environmental impact associated with traditional fossil fuels, create employment opportunities and boost the overall growth of the economy.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed while performing the groundbreaking of the 50,000MT LPG and propane depot at the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Onne, Rivers State.
Ekpo, in a statement from Nesgas, said the facility would further help in unlocking Nigeria’s abundant gas potential to support cleaner, more sustainable energy sources and diversify the economy.
He was quoted as saying, “The private sector’s dedication to investing in infrastructure that will facilitate the storage, delivery and consumption of clean energy is demonstrated by Nesgas’ development of this 50,000 metric tonnes LPG and propane depot.
“In addition to the immediate environmental advantages, the construction of this depot promises to boost the local economy and provide jobs across the country. Employment opportunities will be created along the entire value chain, from construction to operation, promoting skill development and economic inclusion.”
Ekpo assured investors in the gas sector that the Federal Government was “aggressively working to establish laws and regulations that will guarantee transparency, draw in more funding and provide an even playing field for all players in the market.”
He said the government was committed to fostering an atmosphere that would support the expansion of the gas industry.
“As the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Gas, I am here to support the growth of the gas industry in Nigeria, but I am also an official supporter of this cause.
“Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural gas resources, and we must harness this potential to drive the nation’s socio-economic development,” he stated.
Commenting on the project, the Managing Director, Nesgas, Tunde Banjo, said the mission of the gas firm was to eliminate energy poverty in Africa through investment in the sector.
“As we embark on the groundbreaking of our latest project, the 50,000 metric tonnes LPG Onne depot, we are on a journey towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future for Africa,” he said.
The event, according to the statement, also witnessed the signing of partnership and collaboration agreement deals between Nesgas and Gas360, Modern West Advisory and Hebron Gas Infrastructure Limited.