By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The federal government has promised to improve the security situation in the country to enable Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to produce more gas needed by Nigerians for domestic use, though it tasked the firm to be globally competitive.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zanaib Ahmed, while inspecting the Bonny-Bodo road project in Rivers State, commended the organisation for living up to expectations in gas production and social responsibilities in spite of the challenges it encounters on a daily basis.
The 38km Bonny-Bodo road is one of the NLNG’s Corporate Social Responsibilities in infrastructure development. It is being constructed in partnership with the federal government.
It has three bridges; the Afa Bridge, measuring 501.5m; the Opobo Bridge, measuring 713.5m; and the Nanabie Bridge, measuring 448.5m. It also has infrastructural benefits which will bring in opportunities to the people of Bonny and Nigeria at large.
Mrs Ahmed said the project, when completed, would further boost Nigeria’s economy, noting her satisfaction towards it, and reiterated the federal government’s support to bring the vision to reality.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NLNG, Mr Philip Mshelbila, thanked the Minister for the visit, noting that the firm’s vision is to build a better Nigeria and to turn Bonny into a master city.
He said despite the challenges of oil thefts, pipeline vandalisation, kidnappings, and lower gas production, the company has not stopped carrying out projects it considers vital to the development of the economy.
The General Manager of NLNG, Mr Nnamdi Anowo, while speaking during the inspection, said on a daily basis, the company produces, delivers, and markets 6,000 barrels of gas of energy after converting gas to liquid before exportation.