FG Urges International Oil Companies to Prioritize Local Gas Supply

By Adedapo Adesanya 

The federal government has urged International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to prioritize gas exports and domestic gas supply for Nigerians to benefit from the country’s abundant gas resources.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized that the need for IOCs to actively participate in the federal government’s goal of increasing domestic gas supply was crucial in stabilizing domestic gas prices and providing affordable energy for Nigerians.

The Minister recently met with Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Managing Director, Mr Jim Swartz, to discuss initiatives aimed at domesticating Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, from their Escravos facility and delivering more natural gas within Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting Chevron Nigeria Limited, in its efforts to increase gas supplies to the domestic market, and commended the company for their dedication and exemplary corporate citizenship.

“I am pleased to reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Chevron Nigeria Limited in their ongoing efforts to enhance gas supplies to our domestic market. This was underscored during my recent meeting with Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Managing Director, Mr Jim Swartz.

“Our discussion focused on CNL’s initiatives to domesticate Liquefied Petroleum Gas from their Escravos facility and their endeavours to deliver more natural gas within Nigeria and to the West African sub-region. This aligns with my directive to ensure all LPG produced in Nigeria remains within our borders to stabilize domestic gas prices.

“I emphasized the need for International Oil Companies operating in Nigeria to prioritize not just gas exports but also to actively participate in the Federal Government’s goal of ensuring that Nigerians benefit from our abundant gas resources through increased domestic supply.

“Let me commend CNL for their dedication to the domestic gas market and for being exemplary corporate citizens. Their efforts are crucial in our drive to ensure that Nigerians reap the benefits of our gas wealth.

“Chevron’s commitment to producing affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy is evident in their recent Project Panther funding agreement with NNPC Ltd. and other initiatives aimed at improving natural gas delivery. The federal government remains steadfast in its support of Chevron Nigeria Limited’s gas projects in Nigeria.”